# data[].attributes.body
Plot:
My Head Has a Bellyache: And More Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups features a collection of whimsical, humorous poems that present absurd and silly situations. The poems explore playful, imaginative scenarios that entertain readers with their nonsense and wit.

Summary:
The book is a lively and lighthearted read, filled with quirky and nonsensical verses. It encourages readers of all ages to embrace the fun and absurdity of everyday life, inviting them to laugh and think at the same time.

Characters:
The poems feature a variety of quirky, imaginative characters who find themselves in humorous and unexpected situations. These characters add to the playful nature of the poems, bringing each verse to life with their silliness.

Themes:

Mischief

Imagination

Nonsense and silliness

Humor and creativity

# data[].attributes.body
Author:
Eric Carle

Illustrator:
Eric Carle

Publisher:
World Publishing Company (original)

Date:
1969

# of Pages:
26 pages

Grade Level:
Preschool to 1st grade (Ages 2–6)

Genres:
Children’s Literature, Picture Book, Educational

Theme:
Growth and Transformation

Summary:
The story follows a tiny caterpillar that is very hungry. It eats through a variety of foods, one item per day, growing larger and larger as it continues its feast. After becoming too full, the caterpillar spins itself into a cocoon. Eventually, it emerges as a beautiful butterfly, completing its transformation. The book explores themes of growth, the days of the week, and the life cycle of a caterpillar.

Connections:

Science: This book is often used in classrooms to teach about the life cycle of a caterpillar and butterfly.

Math: It can be used to practice counting, as the caterpillar eats through increasing amounts of food.

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
Illustrator: Lois Ehlert
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: 1989
# of Pages: 40
Grade Level: PreK-2nd Grade
Genres: Picture Book, Alphabet, Rhyming
Theme: The alphabet, excitement

Summary:
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a playful and rhythmic alphabet book in which the letters of the alphabet climb up a coconut tree. As they climb, the tree begins to shake and, in a playful, chaotic sequence, all the letters fall down. The story emphasizes the excitement and fun of learning letters in a memorable, rhythmic way.

Connections:

Alphabet Recognition: Perfect for introducing young children to letters and their order.

Rhyming Patterns: The rhythm and rhyming nature of the text help with phonemic awareness.

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Anna McGregor
Illustrator: Lisa Perrin
Publisher: Templar Books
Date: 2021
# of Pages: 32
Grade Level: PreK-2nd Grade
Genres: Picture Book, Fantasy, Friendship
Theme: Friendship, Kindness, Problem Solving

Summary:
Lola and the Troll tells the story of a young girl named Lola who encounters a troll living under a bridge. The troll, despite his gruff appearance, is quite lonely. Lola decides to help him with his problem and brings a little kindness into his life. As they form an unexpected friendship, Lola shows how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s world.

Connections:

Friendship and Empathy: The book can be used to teach children about the importance of understanding others and offering kindness.

Problem-Solving: Lola's creative solutions to help the troll can inspire children to think about solving problems in new ways.

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Jeff Kinney
Illustrator: Jeff Kinney
Publisher: Amulet Books
Date: 2007
# of Pages: 224
Grade Level: 4th-8th Grade
Genres: Graphic Novel, Humor, Realistic Fiction
Theme: Middle School Life, Friendship, Growing Up, Family

Summary:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows the adventures of Greg Heffley, an average middle schooler who navigates the ups and downs of adolescence. Told through a series of journal entries, Greg’s humorous observations about his family, friends, and school life paint a relatable picture of the awkward and often hilarious moments that come with growing up. As Greg tries to figure out his place in the world, he deals with issues like popularity, sibling rivalry, and embarrassing situations.

Connections:

Middle School Experience: This book can connect with students going through similar experiences in school.

Diary Writing: The format of the book encourages students to engage in their own journaling or diary writing, making it a great inspiration for creative writing assignments.

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Louis Sachar
Illustrator: No illustrations (text-only novel)
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Date: 1998
# of Pages: 233
Grade Level: 5th-8th Grade
Genres: Mystery, Adventure
Theme: Friendship

Summary:
Holes follows Stanley Yelnats, a boy who is wrongfully sent to a camp called Camp Green Lake, where the boys are forced to dig holes in the desert for reasons they don’t understand. Over time, Stanley uncovers more than just the mysteries of the camp; he discovers secrets about his family’s past and how everything is interconnected. The novel combines mystery, adventure, and humor, highlighting themes of friendship, perseverance, and the power of destiny.

Connections:

Themes of Justice and Injustice: The story of Stanley's wrongful conviction can lead to discussions about fairness, justice, and the legal system.

Friendship and Loyalty: Stanley's developing friendship with Zero can be used to explore the importance of loyalty, trust, and supporting each other in tough times.

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Lauren Child
Illustrator: Lauren Child
Publisher: Orchard Books
Date: 2002
# of Pages: 208
Grade Level: 3rd-5th Grade
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Humor
Theme: Family, Friendship, Growing Up

Summary:
Utterly Me, Clarice Bean follows the quirky and imaginative Clarice Bean, a young girl with a vivid imagination and a knack for noticing the small, funny details of life. The story explores Clarice's daily experiences at school and at home, her relationships with her family and friends, and her dreams of being someone special. The book is written in a witty and humorous tone, with Clarice's internal thoughts offering both a fun and insightful look at her world.

Connections:

Imagination and Creativity: Clarice’s imaginative thinking and daydreams can inspire students to explore their own creativity through writing and art.

Friendship and Family Relationships: The story offers opportunities to discuss the importance of friends and family, as well as the ups and downs that come with those relationships.

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Mindy Thompson
Illustrator: No illustrations
Publisher: Chicken House
Date: 2022
# of Pages: 336
Grade Level: 4th-6th Grade
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure
Theme: Family, Magic, Courage

Summary:
The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams is set in a magical, historical world where a young girl named Moth lives above her family’s bookshop. The bookshop is special: it’s filled with rare and enchanted books, and it’s a place where stories come to life. When the family faces a crisis, Moth must navigate through a world of magic, mystery, and danger. Along the way, she learns about bravery, the importance of family, and her own inner strength. The story blends real historical elements with magical fantasy, creating an imaginative and heartfelt journey.

Connections:

Magic and Fantasy: This book can introduce students to fantasy fiction, where the boundaries between the real and the magical are blurred.

Family Bonds: The relationship between Moth and her family provides a great opportunity to discuss the significance of family and supporting one another during tough times.

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Laura Joffe Numeroff
Illustrator: Felicia Bond
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date: 1985
# of Pages: 32
Grade Level: PreK-2nd Grade
Genres: Picture Book, Humor, Cause and Effect
Theme: Cause and Effect, Friendship, Generosity

Summary:
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie tells the humorous story of a young boy who gives a mouse a cookie, which sets off a chain reaction of events. Every time the mouse’s request is fulfilled, he asks for something else, leading to increasingly silly and unexpected demands. The story emphasizes the interconnectedness of actions and consequences, all while showcasing the playful relationship between the boy and the mouse.

Connections:

Cause and Effect: The book is a great way to teach children about cause and effect, as each action leads to another, demonstrating how one event can trigger a series of outcomes.

Generosity and Giving: The mouse’s continual requests can spark discussions about generosity, and how helping others can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes.

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Don Freeman
Illustrator: Don Freeman
Publisher: Viking Press
Date: 1968
# of Pages: 32
Grade Level: PreK-2nd Grade
Genres: Picture Book, Realistic Fiction
Theme: Friendship

Summary:
Corduroy tells the story of a stuffed bear named Corduroy who lives in a department store. Despite his charm and kind nature, he longs for a home where he will be loved. One day, a little girl named Lisa sees him and wants to buy him, but he is missing a button on his overalls. Corduroy embarks on an adventure through the store to find a button, and in the end, Lisa buys him and accepts him just as he is. The story highlights themes of love, acceptance, and the desire for belonging.

Connections:

Belonging and Acceptance: The theme of finding a home and being accepted for who you are is a great conversation starter about the importance of friendship and acceptance.

Self-Worth: Corduroy’s desire to be loved can encourage children to think about how they value themselves and others, emphasizing that everyone is worthy of love, even if they aren’t “perfect.”

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Phoebe Wahl
Illustrator: Phoebe Wahl
Publisher: Tundra Books
Date: 2019
# of Pages: 32
Grade Level: PreK-2nd Grade
Genres: Picture Book, Fantasy
Theme: Imagination, Nature

Summary:
Backyard Fairies follows a young girl who discovers a world of magical fairies in her backyard. As she explores her garden, she finds the fairies are hidden in the flowers, trees, and nature around her, and she learns to appreciate the wonders of the natural world. The story celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of imagination as the girl embarks on a magical adventure where she discovers friendship with the fairies.

Connections:

Imagination and Creativity: The magical, imaginative world of fairies can inspire children to create their own fantasy worlds, encouraging storytelling and imaginative play.

Nature and Environment: The book can lead to discussions about the importance of nature, gardening, and environmental stewardship, encouraging children to connect with the world around them.

# data[].attributes.body
Carley Szuba

Baseball Saved Us by Ken

Your personal connections to story:

Reading Baseball Saved Us made me think about how much resilience and hope can come from something as simple as a game. The characters in the internment camp used baseball to create a sense of normalcy in an otherwise difficult time. It made me think about how I might find hope in hard situations.

Personal/academic values of the book to students:

This story teaches the importance of resilience and the strength to stay connected to one's identity in the face of adversity. It’s a reminder of impact historical events and how they have real effect on people, and it’s important to learn about these past injustices to ensure they aren’t repeated.

Your visual representation work and its short description:

I drew a baseball field in the center of the internment camp with a large fence around it. On the left, there’s a young boy in a baseball uniform, and on the right, the guard towers are visible in the background. The baseball represents hope and escape from the harshness of the camp. The fence and guard towers symbolize the confinement and oppression the characters faced.

Effectiveness of the visual representation:

This activity helped me connect more with the story’s themes. It made me visualize the setting and characters in a way I hadn’t before. Drawing the baseball field reminded me that even in the darkest of times, there can still be moments of joy and escape.

# data[].attributes.body
I really enjoyed reading Kiki’s Delivery Service because it’s such a heartwarming story about growing up and finding your place in the world. I connected with Kiki’s journey of self-discovery, especially her struggle to believe in herself when things didn’t go as planned. It reminded me of times when I’ve had to face challenges and learn to persevere. One of the things I found interesting was how Kiki’s confidence wavers throughout the story, and how she learns that it's okay to have doubts. It made me wonder: How do we build confidence, and what do we learn about ourselves during those moments of self-doubt?

# data[].attributes.body
Author: Mary Pope Osborne

Series: Magic Tree House

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Main Characters: Jack (the older brother) and Annie (the younger sister)

Setting: Africa, particularly the savanna

Themes: Teamwork, nature, and learning about different cultures and animals.

In Lions at Lunch Time, Jack and Annie travel to Africa in their magical treehouse. They are on a mission to find a special book that will help them with a quest. While in Africa, they learn about lions and the savanna, observing these magnificent animals up close. As they explore, they encounter challenges and work together to solve problems. Along the way, they discover important facts about the natural world, the role of lions in the ecosystem, and how humans are helping to protect them. It’s an exciting adventure that blends history, wildlife, and fun facts, all while encouraging curiosity and learning.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary:

Charlie and Moose: Outdoors by Dave Skinner follows two best friends, Charlie and Moose, as they embark on a fun outdoor adventure. While facing challenges like hiking and camping, their different personalities lead to humorous moments, but they learn valuable lessons about teamwork, friendship, and nature.

Plot:

Charlie and Moose explore the outdoors, dealing with funny situations and overcoming obstacles. Their teamwork and friendship grow as they learn about nature.

Theme:

Friendship and Teamwork

Adventure and Discovery

Humor and Problem-Solving

Genre:

Children’s Fiction

Adventure/Comedy

Outdoor/Environmental

Series:

Charlie and Moose is a series of books featuring their fun outdoor adventures.

# data[].attributes.body
The Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne

Summary:
Jack and Annie travel back in time to the age of dinosaurs. They explore a prehistoric world, learning about different species while trying to find a way back home.

Plot:
Jack and Annie are sent on a mission to the past where they encounter dinosaurs and other exciting challenges. They must use their wits to escape danger and return to the present.

Theme:

Adventure and Exploration

Teamwork and Problem-Solving

Learning about History and Nature

Genre:

Children’s Fiction

Adventure/Fantasy

Historical Fiction

Series:
Magic Tree House series follows Jack and Annie on many different time-traveling adventures.

# data[].attributes.body
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park

Summary:
Junie B. Jones is a kindergartner who experiences the ups and downs of starting school, from dealing with the bus ride to making new friends.

Plot:
Junie B. faces the challenges of her first day of school, including her fear of the bus ride and her misadventures with her classmates.

Theme:

Growing Up and New Experiences

Friendship and Social Skills

Humor and Confidence

Genre:

Children’s Fiction

Comedy

School Story

Series:
Junie B. Jones series follows the quirky adventures of Junie as she navigates life in school and beyond.

# data[].attributes.body
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Summary:
The Alden children, orphaned and on their own, create a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar. They solve mysteries and learn to work together to survive.

Plot:
The four Alden children make a new life in an old boxcar and soon discover a mystery involving their grandfather’s estate. They use their skills to uncover the truth.

Theme:

Family and Self-Reliance

Mystery and Adventure

Problem-Solving and Teamwork

Genre:

Children’s Fiction

Mystery/Adventure

Family Story

# data[].attributes.body
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Summary:
Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely girl, discovers a hidden garden at her uncle’s estate. She brings it back to life, which transforms her and the lives of those around her.

Plot:
After being sent to live with her uncle, Mary uncovers a locked, neglected garden. As she brings the garden back to life, she and her new friends experience emotional and physical healing.

Theme:

Healing and Growth

Friendship and Transformation

Nature and Renewal

Genre:

Children’s Fiction

Classic/Adventure

Realistic Fiction

# data[].attributes.body
The Magic School Bus by Joanna Cole

Summary: Ms. Frizzle and her class go on magical field trips where they explore different aspects of science in a fun and engaging way.
Theme: Science, exploration, and curiosity.
Genre: Children’s Fiction, Educational.
Series: The Magic School Bus series.

# data[].attributes.body
The Secret Soldier by Ann McGovern

Summary: A young boy helps during the American Revolution by disguising himself as a soldier.
Theme: Courage, patriotism, and history.
Genre: Historical Fiction.
Series: Stand-alone novel.

# data[].attributes.body
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

Summary: A stuffed rabbit becomes real through the love of a child.
Theme: Love, transformation, and belonging.
Genre: Children’s Fiction, Classic.
Series: Stand-alone novel.

# data[].attributes.body
Fudge-a-Mania by Judy Blume

Summary: Peter Hatcher deals with the chaos caused by his younger brother Fudge during a family vacation.
Theme: Sibling rivalry, family, and humor.
Genre: Children’s Fiction, Humor.
Series: Fudge series.

# data[].attributes.body
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

Summary: Ramona Quimby faces the challenges of being eight years old, dealing with school, family, and friends.
Theme: Growing up, family, and resilience.
Genre: Children’s Fiction, Humor.
Series: Ramona series.

# data[].attributes.body
The Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Summary: Laura Ingalls and her family move west and face the challenges of life on the prairie.
Theme: Hard work, family, and pioneering spirit.
Genre: Historical Fiction, Children’s Fiction.
Series: Little House series.

# data[].attributes.body
Beezus and Ramona is a story that shows the complex and sometimes challenging relationship between siblings. I can relate to Beezus' frustration with Ramona’s mischievous behavior, as I have experienced similar sibling dynamics in my own life. However, as the story unfolds, you see that Beezus also deeply cares for Ramona, and their bond grows stronger. The book made me reflect on how sometimes we may feel annoyed or overwhelmed by those closest to us, but these relationships are often built on love and understanding. One question I have after reading is how we can better navigate sibling relationships as we grow older and learn more about each other.

# data[].attributes.body
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

Summary: A clever mouse invents a fearsome creature, the Gruffalo, to outwit predators, only to encounter the real beast.

Genre: Fantasy, Picture Book

Theme: Cleverness, Courage, Deception

Series: The Gruffalo Serie

# data[].attributes.body
The Gruffalo's Child by Julia Donaldson

Summary: The Gruffalo's daughter ventures into the woods, defying her father's warnings, and meets the cunning mouse.

Genre: Fantasy, Picture Book

Theme: Curiosity, Bravery, Trust

Series: The Gruffalo Series​

# data[].attributes.body
. The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks by Joanna Cole

Summary: Ms. Frizzle's class embarks on a field trip through the water cycle, exploring purification and distribution.

Genre: Educational, Science Fiction

Theme: Science Exploration, Adventure

Series: The Magic School Bus​

# data[].attributes.body
The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body by Joanna Cole

Summary: A journey through a student's body teaches the class about human anatomy and physiology.

Genre: Educational, Science Fiction

Theme: Biology, Curiosity

Series: The Magic School Bus​

# data[].attributes.body
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

Summary: Harold uses his purple crayon to create a world of his own, showcasing the power of imagination.

Genre: Fantasy, Picture Book

Theme: Creativity, Exploration

Series: Harold Series​

# data[].attributes.body
Harold's Fairy Tale by Crockett Johnson

Summary: Harold draws a fairy tale world, learning about storytelling and consequences.

Genre: Fantasy, Picture Book

Theme: Imagination, Responsibility

Series: Harold Series​

# data[].attributes.body
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

Summary: Madeline, the smallest girl in her boarding school, showcases bravery during an appendicitis episode.

Genre: Classic, Picture Book

Theme: Courage, Independence

Series: Madeline Series​

# data[].attributes.body
Madeline's Rescue by Ludwig Bemelmans

Summary: After falling into the Seine, Madeline is rescued by a stray dog, leading to new adventures.

Genre: Classic, Picture Book

Theme: Friendship, Gratitude

Series: Madeline Series​

# data[].attributes.body
The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley

Summary: Sisters Sabrina and Daphne Grimm discover their heritage as fairy-tale detectives in a magical town.

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery

Theme: Family, Adventure

Series: The Sisters Grimm​

# data[].attributes.body
The Sisters Grimm: The Unusual Suspects by Michael Buckley

Summary: The Grimm sisters investigate a school mystery involving magical creatures.

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery

Theme: Teamwork, Problem-Solving

Series: The Sisters Grimm​

# data[].attributes.body
Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss

Summary: A collection of tongue-twisting rhymes featuring Fox and Knox, challenging readers' pronunciation skills.

Genre: Humor, Poetry

Theme: Language Play, Fun

Series: Dr. Seuss Books​

# data[].attributes.body
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Summary: A gentle bedtime story bidding goodnight to various objects in a child's room.

Genre: Classic, Picture Book

Theme: Routine, Comfort

Series: Standalone​

# data[].attributes.body
Curious George Visits the Library by Margret & H.A. Rey

Summary: Curious George's visit to the library leads to unexpected adventures and learning.

Genre: Adventure, Picture Book

Theme: Curiosity, Learning

Series: Curious George​

# data[].attributes.body
Curious George and the Hot Air Balloon by Margret & H.A. Rey

Summary: George's hot air balloon ride turns into an educational journey about flight.

Genre: Adventure, Picture Book

Theme: Exploration, Science

Series: Curious George​

# data[].attributes.body
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

Summary: A beautiful fish learns the value of sharing his shimmering scales with others.

Genre: Fable, Picture Book

Theme: Generosity, Friendship

Series: Standalone​

# data[].attributes.body
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

Summary: A friendly blue truck helps a rude dump truck stuck in the mud, showing the importance of kindness.

Genre: Picture Book, Animal Fiction

Theme: Helping Others, Friendship, Teamwork

Series: Little Blue Truck Series

# data[].attributes.body
Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle

Summary: Blue travels to the city and teaches important lessons about patience and sharing the road.

Genre: Picture Book, Animal Fiction

Theme: Courtesy, Community

Series: Little Blue Truck Series

# data[].attributes.body
If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff

Summary: A pig's simple request for a pancake sparks a hilarious sequence of activities.

Genre: Humor, Picture Book

Theme: Imagination, Chain Reactions

Series: If You Give... Series

# data[].attributes.body
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Summary: Max travels to a land of wild creatures and learns about emotions and belonging.

Genre: Fantasy, Picture Book

Theme: Imagination, Emotional Growth, Home

Series: Standalone

# data[].attributes.body
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Summary: A caterpillar eats through various foods and transforms into a butterfly.

Genre: Educational, Picture Book

Theme: Growth, Transformation, Counting

Series: Eric Carle's Nature Books

# data[].attributes.body
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

Summary: A pigeon begs the reader for permission to drive a bus, showcasing humor and persuasion.

Genre: Humor, Interactive Picture Book

Theme: Self-Control, Rules, Responsibility

Series: Pigeon Series

# data[].attributes.body
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems

Summary: Trixie loses her beloved stuffed animal and struggles to communicate her distress.

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Picture Book

Theme: Communication, Family, Problem-Solving

Series: Knuffle Bunny Trilogy

# data[].attributes.body
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by James Dean & Eric Litwin

Summary: Pete keeps a positive attitude even as his white shoes get stained different colors.

Genre: Picture Book, Humor

Theme: Optimism, Flexibility

Series: Pete the Cat Series

# data[].attributes.body
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by James Dean & Eric Litwin

Summary: Pete stays chill as his buttons pop off one by one, showing math and mindfulness.

Genre: Picture Book, Educational

Theme: Resilience, Counting, Gratitude

Series: Pete the Cat Series

# data[].attributes.body
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle

Summary: A rhythmic pattern of animals each seeing the next in a predictable sequence.

Genre: Picture Book, Educational

Theme: Observation, Pattern Recognition

Series: Brown Bear & Friends

# data[].attributes.body
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault

Summary: Alphabet letters climb a coconut tree in a playful, rhythmic adventure.

Genre: Alphabet Book, Poetry

Theme: Learning Letters, Rhythm, Teamwork

Series: Standalone

# data[].attributes.body
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Summary: An inspiring message about life’s ups and downs and the journey ahead.

Genre: Inspirational, Poetry

Theme: Perseverance, Future, Self-Discovery

Series: Dr. Seuss Books