Mentor Text Library by Morgan Dougal

mmdougal — 2024-09-17 20:27:34 UTC

Statement

Writing is all around us. This is important. Ideas that will take you away. Organization that helps you get things together. Voice that helps you put soul into writing and sharing. Word Choice that helps you use powerful statements. Sentence Fluency that helps you understand sounds is writing. Convention that guides you with rules to write efficiently. All of these traits are required in order to know how to write. Writing should be fun but it is important to know how to write to help your creativity run free.

ish

mmdougal — 2024-09-17 23:43:24 UTC

A creative spirit learns that thinking “ish-ly” is far more wonderful than “getting it right” in this gentle fable from the creator of the award-winning picture book The Dot.Ramon loved to draw. Anytime. Anything. Anywhere.

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

mmdougal — 2024-09-24 19:28:25 UTC

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a 1969 children's picture book designed, illustrated, and written by American children's author and illustrator Eric Carle. The plot follows a very hungry caterpillar that consumes a variety of foods before pupating and becoming a butterfly

ROOM FOR EVERYONE

mmdougal — 2024-09-24 19:47:42 UTC

A young boy on a crowded bus discovers that, after some wiggles and giggles, there’s room for everyone in this lighthearted rhyming picture book set in Zanzibar.

I AM YOU

mmdougal — 2024-10-01 19:31:20 UTC

In southern Africa, there is a belief called ubuntu―the idea that we are all connected. No matter where we’re from or who we are, a person is a person through their connections to other people. With simple, lyrical text and charming artwork, this lively picture book first published in South Africa is the perfect introduction to the concept of ubuntu for young kids. A celebration of friendship and kindness, the book shows children the many ways that we are all one.

My Brain is a Race Car

mmdougal — 2024-10-20 18:46:27 UTC

Created and inspired by my daughters ADHD diagnosis, I wanted to gift her a book that help explained her brain's processes and needs. No big words or acronyms that result in 'what does that mean' and bring the child out of the story.

"Brains are just like cars, they all drive round and round a track, picking up information and then bringing it back. Some brains are Race Cars that like to drive extra fast. Sometimes though, they forget to sop and fully complete a task.'

But driving cars fast all the time and not servicing or maintaining them leads to overheating and burnout.

We can apply that same logic to our brains.

The Dot

mmdougal — 2024-10-21 18:17:31 UTC

Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can’t draw - she’s no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. "There!" she says.
That one little dot marks the beginning of Vashti’s journey of surprise and self-discovery. That special moment is the core of Peter H. Reynolds’s delicate fable about the creative spirit in all of us.

The Most Magnificent Thing

mmdougal — 2024-10-21 18:24:39 UTC

Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Spires has created a charming picture book about an unnamed girl and her very best friend, who happens to be a dog. The girl has a wonderful idea. “She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!” But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. She is so mad, in fact, that she quits. But after her dog convinces her to take a walk, she comes back to her project with renewed enthusiasm and manages to get it just right.

I Wanna Iguana

mmdougal — 2024-10-22 20:47:36 UTC

Alex just has to convince his mom to let him have an iguana, so he puts his arguments in writing. He promises that she won't have to feed it or clean its cage or even see it if she doesn't want to. Of course Mom imagines life with a six-foot-long iguana eating them out of house and home.

MY TEACHER for PRESIDENT

mmdougal — 2024-10-26 21:47:02 UTC

Just in time for election season, a nomination teachers and students alike will endorse.

Oliver has been learning about the president's job, and his teacher would be the perfect candidate. She loves white houses, she's used to being followed everywhere, she attends lots of meetings, she finds jobs for people, and she believes in peace. Images of Oliver's teacher depicted during a typical school day are contrasted with scenes of his heroine carrying out presidential duties.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA?

mmdougal — 2024-10-26 21:47:58 UTC

This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child's confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at any age, who's ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult. It's a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's just getting started.

I SPEAK ENGLISH FOR MY MOM

mmdougal — 2024-10-26 21:49:14 UTC

Lupe, a young Mexican American, must translate for her mother who speaks only Spanish until Mrs. Gomez decides to learn English in order to get a better job

One More Sheep

mmdougal — 2024-10-26 21:50:39 UTC

Someone’s at the door. Is it one of the shepherd’s precious lambs…or a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
On a wild, windy night, Sam brings his ten sheep home and tucks them in bed for the night.The shepherd wants to make sure he’s rounded up all of them. But counting sheep always makes him fall asleep! A knock on the door in the middle of the night wakes up Sam and his flock. How will Sam know if the knock on the door is a lost lamb or a wolf when he can’t count up his ten sheep without falling asleep? Now it’s up to the fast-thinking sheep to help him…before it’s too late!

This Is Not A Picture Book!

mmdougal — 2024-10-29 19:36:06 UTC

In this quirky yet sweet picture book about the joy and power of reading, Duck learns that even books without pictures can be fun. While he and his friend Bug may struggle at first to decipher their book, they stick with it, and before long they discover that not only can they read it, but it deserves a place on the shelf with all their favorite picture books. Author-artist Sergio Ruzzier has created a fanciful tribute to books of all kinds. It includes both words AND pictures. And because this is the fixed-format version, it looks almost identical to the print edition!

One and Everything

mmdougal — 2024-10-29 20:04:15 UTC

Once there were many stories in the world. There were stories with sunsets and wonderful tales filled with fairies and dinosaurs. But one day, a story decided that it was the best, the most important story ever. It called itself the One and started to consume every other story it came across. The One ate stories made of seas and others full of dogs. Soon it seemed that the One was all there was . . . or was it? Inspired by the Endangered Alphabets project, aimed at preserving cultures by sharing their unique scripts, author-illustrator Sam Winston uses writing systems such as cuneiform and Tibetan, Egyptian hieroglyphs and ogham to illustrate this book in his signature typography-based style, using symbols and letters that have relayed the world’s stories over the centuries.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB

mmdougal — 2024-11-05 20:28:33 UTC

Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's Web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter.

The Paper Bag Princess

mmdougal — 2024-11-05 20:38:55 UTC

A fearsome dragon leaves Elizabeth only a paper bag to clothe herself. But unswayed, she will chase after the dragon and get back what is hers. What about the Prince?

My School's a Zoo!

mmdougal — 2024-11-11 20:27:44 UTC

Every school has its share of bookworms.

Some schools have bugs in their computers.

And lots of schools have spelling bees. But this school has bears. This school has owls. This school is a ZOO!

Imagination runs wild in this fun-filled story about a school packed with pythons, teeming with tigers, and swimming with starfish. Stu Smith's lively text and David Catrow's hilarious art will have kids looking at school -- and words -- in a whole new way!

Sometimes I'm BOMBALOO

mmdougal — 2024-11-11 20:30:56 UTC

Katie Honors is a really good kid -- most of the time. But sometimes... well, sometimes, say when her little brother knocks down her beautiful castle after she told him not to touch it and she knows she'll never be able to make it look that good again... sometimes Katie gets so mad she's BOMBALOO, she's just not herself. Sometimes she uses her feet and her fists instead of words.

Being Bombaloo is scary. But a little time-out and a lot of love and understanding from Mom calms Bombaloo down and help Katie feel like Katie again! This is a warm book about losing your temper and how to feel like yourself again. With Yumi Heo's bright illustrations and Rachel Vail's sweet text, this title is the perfect read aloud for librarians, teachers, and parents.

ERASER

mmdougal — 2024-11-11 20:42:34 UTC

Eraser is always cleaning up everyone else’s mistakes. Except for Ruler and Pencil Sharpener, none of the other school supplies seem to appreciate her. They all love how sharp Pencil is and how Tape and Glue help everyone stick together. Eraser wants to create so that she can shine like the others. She decides to give it a try, but it’s not until the rubber meets the road that Eraser begins to understand a whole lot about herself.

Inspired by a school essay their daughter Kate wrote in the third grade, the author and illustrator behind Theodor Seuss Geisel Award–winner You Are (Not) Small have created a desktop drama about figuring out who you are, finding happiness, and the importance of second, third, and maybe even fourth chances.

Ralph Tells A Story

mmdougal — 2024-11-11 20:45:55 UTC

Nothing ever happens to Ralph. So every day when it’s time to write stories, Ralph thinks really hard. He stares at his paper. He stares at the ceiling. But he has no stories! With the help of his classmates, Ralph realizes that a great story can be about something very little…and that maybe he really does have some stories to tell. Debut author/illustrator Abby Hanlon’s endearing text and charming watercolor and colored pencil illustrations prove that writing can be fun! This story works nicely with Lucy Calkins’ Writer’s Workshop model of teaching.

Gratitude is my Superpower

mmdougal — 2024-11-18 19:21:25 UTC

Little Betsy will learn that happiness is made up of simple things in life, both small and big. With the help of the magic stone, she will begin to feel gratitude for her parents, friends, and toys. But what happens when little Betsy forgets to use the magic of her stone? She will realize that the power of gratitude is hidden in her heart.

"Gratitude is my superpower" will teach your little ones to appreciate the warmth of home, time spent playing with friends, and family relationships.

PUNCTUATION Takes a Vacation

mmdougal — 2024-11-19 20:36:16 UTC

This clever and funny tale shows just how important punctuation is to reading and writing, and helps illustrate how different types work. From the question mark's inquisitive postcards to the quotations' constant chatter, this story is full of fun detail, elaborated on by bright acrylic illustrations, full of action and personality.

Little i

mmdougal — 2024-11-19 20:49:03 UTC

With a playful focus on the alphabet, spelling, and simple punctuation, this accessible young quest story about letters, self-confidence, belonging, and growing up is a great choice for the classroom, library story-hours, and bedtime.

IT'S ONLY STANLEY

mmdougal — 2024-12-02 22:38:21 UTC

Mysterious noises keep waking up the Wimbledon family. "That's very odd," says Mr. Wimbledon each time, but when he returns from checking on the sounds, he's always reassuring: "It's only Stanley; he's fixing the oil tank." "It's only Stanley; he's clearing the bathtub drain."
But what Stanley the dog is actually doing while his oblivious family goes back to bed is deliciously absurd: he's turning the house into a rocket ship to zoom himself and his family to another planet for an alien encounter. This is a perfect rhyming read-aloud for fans of irreverent tales like Click Clack Moo and I Want My Hat Back.

OX, OX: A Love Story

mmdougal — 2024-12-06 20:16:26 UTC

A Squiggle Story

mmdougal — 2024-12-06 20:22:32 UTC

A young boy wants to write a story, just like his big sister. But there's a problem, he tells her. Though he knows his letters, he doesn't know many words. “Every story starts with a single word and every word starts with a single letter,” his sister explains patiently. “Why don't you start there, with a letter?” So the boy tries. He writes a letter. An easy letter. The letter I. And from that one skinny letter, the story grows, and the little boy discovers that all of us, including him, have what we need to write our own perfect story. This picture book from award-winning author Andrew Larsen playfully and imaginatively explores a young child's process of learning to express himself. It promotes the idea that stories are available for everyone to tell, whatever way we can, and will inspire pre-readers to try writing stories of their own

Benny

mmdougal — 2024-12-06 20:29:26 UTC

Benny loses his bone and his sense of smell. A visit to Dr. Duncan and his Sniff Machine and a couple of days of rest cure him.

The Day The Crayons Quit

mmdougal — 2024-12-06 20:35:31 UTC

Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Beige Crayon is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown Crayon. Black wants to be used for more than just outlining. Blue needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking — each believes he is the true color of the sun.

THE NOT-SO-LAZY SCHWA

mmdougal — 2024-12-13 16:12:30 UTC

This is best used with students who've learned vowel sounds and are being introduced to the schwa sound. This can be used before, during, or after your literacy lessons, or as a read-aloud before explaining the concept of a schwa.

IDEA JAR

mmdougal — 2024-12-13 16:13:53 UTC

The idea jar is where students keep their ideas—anything from a Viking to a space robot to a giant dragon. These ideas can be combined to make new exciting stories. But watch out when the ideas escape the jar—they might get a little rowdy! Adam Lehrhaupt’s newest picture book is sure to inspire creativity, imagination, and adventure.

Collaboration Station

mmdougal — 2024-12-13 16:15:19 UTC

This enchanting mentor text focuses on the power of teamwork in the classroom—whether in pairs, small groups, or all together as one big class family.

With vibrant pictures and kid-friendly text, students will discover how to share ideas, work through conflicts, and help each other succeed.

Teachers love reading Collaboration Station aloud to help set the stage when introducing and reviewing how to work together in partners or small groups.

Educators understand the complexities of fostering productive collaboration among students. Collaboration Station is designed to guide young learners through the process with clear guidelines, cooperative learning strategies, and engaging visuals that capture their imagination.

It addresses the common challenges that can arise when students work together, and helps inspire kids to WANT to be a valuable member of their team!

Working well with others is one of the most important skills that kids can learn, and continue to apply for years to come. With whimsical illustrations and engaging rhymes, Collaboration Station helps instill the mindset and skills that are essential for preparing students to thrive in group settings.

Sticks and Stones

mmdougal — 2024-12-13 16:19:21 UTC

This endearing and timely story celebrates uniqueness and proves that no matter what challenges stand in your way it’s your differences that make you who you are.

We Are The Builders

mmdougal — 2024-12-13 16:22:04 UTC

It’s Community Day in a close-knit, diverse neighborhood, and everybody is pitching in to help one another. All the kids want to know where they fit in. Could they be builders, restoring old furniture for new neighbors? Caregivers, nurturing friends who are sad or lonely? Frontline responders, preparing for emergencies?

What they discover is that there’s a place for every person, no matter their skills or interests—and that collaboration is what makes their community strong.

The Great Pasta Escape

mmdougal — 2024-12-13 16:24:22 UTC

The Plan for the Gingerbread House: A STEM Engineering Story

mmdougal — 2024-12-13 16:25:04 UTC

The gingerbread man and woman need a new home! A team of kids struggle to create the perfect gingerbread house. The project guidelines are clear: the winning house must stand upright on its own and a gingerbread boy and girl must fit inside.
Sounds easy?

LUIGI The Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten

mmdougal — 2025-09-20 23:56:18 UTC

On a street of old houses, a big hairy spider is searching for a home with dark corners to hide in. But when he wakes up, he finds a hand reaching for him and a lady proclaiming that she has always wanted a kitten—and will name him Luigi! At first, a somewhat puzzled Luigi, used to being left alone to creep and dangle and spin webs, resists her kind advances. But soon, tasty breakfasts and getting tucked into bed (no one’s ever wished him good night before) have him thinking that kittens surely live magical lives. I will be a kitten! he decides. But how long can he keep up his facade, and what might be at stake in pretending to be someone you’re not? The award-winning duo behind Library Lion delivers another classic in the making, marked by humor and depth, endearing characters, and the assurance that the right people will accept and adore us, unconditionally, just as we are.

JABARI JUMPS

mmdougal — 2025-09-21 00:26:08 UTC

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.

My Brother Charlie

mmdougal — 2025-09-21 00:32:50 UTC

"Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his big sister tells us, for everything that Charlie can't do well, there are plenty more things that he's good at. He knows the names of all the American presidents. He knows stuff about airplanes. And he can even play the piano better than anyone he knows.Actress and national autism spokesperson Holly Robinson Peete collaborates with her daughter on this book based on Holly's 10-year-old son, who has autism.

A Bad Case Of The Stripes

mmdougal — 2025-09-21 00:37:22 UTC

Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she never eats them. Why? Because the other kids in her school don't like them. And Camilla Cream is very, very worried about what other people might think of her. In fact, she's so worried that she's about to break out in...a bad case of stripes!

Stelaluna

mmdougal — 2025-09-21 00:39:33 UTC

After she falls headfirst into a bird's nest, a baby bat is raised like a bird until she is reunited with her mother.

Penelope Rex: We Don't Eat Our Classmates

mmdougal — 2025-09-21 00:43:36 UTC

It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . . Readers will gobble up this hilarious new story from award-winning author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins.

Come On, Rain!

mmdougal — 2025-09-21 00:51:59 UTC

Tess pleads to the sky as listless vines and parched plants droop in the endless heat. Up and down the block, cats pant while heat wavers off tar patches in the broiling alleyway. More than anything, Tess hopes for rain. And when it comes, she and her friends are ready for a surprising joyous celebration....Through exquisite language and acute observation, Newbery medalist Karen Hesse recreates the glorious experience of a quenching rainstorm on a sweltering summer day.

Did you take the B from my _ook?

mmdougal — 2025-09-21 00:54:38 UTC

This missing one very important letter due to one very powerful sneeze! Now, the eetle wearing lue oots is ouncing on the bed instead of wearing blue boots and bouncing on the bed...and it just gets sillier from there!

Hip-Hop LoLLiPoP

mmdougal — 2025-09-21 00:56:34 UTC

Lollipop grooves her way through her bedtime routine, brushing her teeth to the beat and shimmying into pjs. She sways along with her sister, her parents, and even some enthusiastic pets until, finally, Lollie closes her eyes and dances through her dreams. Susan Montanari and Caldecott Honor winner Brian Pinkney off

Little Red Writing

mmdougal — 2025-10-09 21:47:09 UTC

The Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, in which a brave, little red pencil finds her way through the many perils of writing a story, faces a ravenous pencil sharpener.

A BAD CASE OF THE STRIPES

mmdougal — 2025-10-12 16:07:55 UTC

Camilla Cream hides her love for lima beans because she worries what others will think, only to break out in colorful stripes until she learns to be herself. I love how this story uses humor and bold illustrations to teach self-acceptance in a way that young students easily connect to. I would use it during a read-aloud to model making predictions and discuss how Camilla’s actions and feelings change, helping students identify the story’s theme of confidence and individuality.

The Word Collector

mmdougal — 2025-10-12 16:09:50 UTC

Jerome loves collecting words that inspire, connect, and make him feel joyful. I love how this story celebrates language and shows that words have power to express who we are. I would use it to spark student curiosity about vocabulary by having them collect favorite words from our readings and share them aloud, helping build both expressive language and oral confidence.

ADA TWIST SCIENTIST

mmdougal — 2025-10-12 16:13:00 UTC

Ada’s endless curiosity leads her to question everything around her, from strange smells to how things work. I love how this story encourages wonder, persistence, and the idea that asking questions is just as important as finding answers. I would use it to model inquiry-based language by having students share “I wonder” statements and practice using scientific vocabulary during class discussions or investigations.

The Invisible Boy

mmdougal — 2025-10-12 16:14:44 UTC

Brian feels unnoticed at school until a new student’s kindness helps him feel seen and included. I love how this story gently shows the power of empathy and belonging through both words and illustrations. I would use it to teach students how to infer character feelings and discuss how small acts of kindness can change someone’s day, connecting it to lessons on friendship and inclusion.

we don't eat our Classmates

mmdougal — 2025-10-12 16:19:31 UTC

Penelope the dinosaur struggles to make friends when she accidentally eats her human classmates on the first day of school. I love how this story uses humor to teach empathy, self-control, and understanding others’ feelings. I would use it at the start of the year to model social language, spark class discussions about friendship and respect, and help students practice using kind, expressive words in conversation.

Enemy Pie

mmdougal — 2025-10-12 16:21:44 UTC

A boy plans to get rid of his enemy using his dad’s mysterious “enemy pie,” but ends up learning about friendship instead. I love how this story turns a funny idea into a meaningful lesson about understanding others. I would use it to teach sequencing and character change by having students describe how the boy’s feelings evolve and what the story shows about giving people a chance.