Read For Luck: dogs, frogs, and goats

As writers, we love to read. My hope is that this weekly list will be able to give you a sense of having read a few more books that you might not have access to. I welcome more reading suggestions in the comments. My "Read for Luck" section is to give ideas on how the book might be used for children, parents, teachers, or writers. I hope you find it enjoyable and useful. And as always, thanks for stopping by.

READ FOR LUCK:

1. Recommended for CHILDREN
2. Recommended for PARENTS
3. Recommended for TEACHERS
4. Recommended for WRITERS

All great picture books fall under these categories, but it's more fun to split them up. So here goes. (The summaries are not in my own words, but the READ FOR LUCK is.)

RATING SYSTEM:

One clover: Okay, but might not check out of library again.

Two clovers: Fun read, but kids may not want multiple readings.

Three clovers: Very enjoyable. Please read to me again!

Four clovers: I feel lucky to have read this. Children, parents, teachers, and writers will want this book over and over again.

1. FOR CHILDREN

The Dog Who Cried Wolf by Keiko Kasza

G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2005

349 Words; Level 1.8

Summary: Tired of being a house pet, Moka the dog moves to the mountains to become a wolf but soon misses the comforts of home.

Read for Luck: Children love dogs and Moka sure has some funny antics. The ending is a hilarious twist, as well. Will definitely withstand the test of time for multiple reads.

Rating: 

2. FOR PARENTS

The King's Taster by Kenneth Oppel; Ill. by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

HarperCollins Publishers, 2009

1143 Words; Level 3.3

Summary: The royal chef takes Max the dog, the royal taster, on several international journeys to find a dish for the land's pickiest king.

Read for Luck: Hey! It's another book with a dog. That was unintentional. Anyway, parents can get across the message of "eat your food," without being preachy. Nice ending, too. Teachers can talk about prediction.

Rating:  (if old enough for the length of book, otherwise a 2)

3. FOR TEACHERS

Hip-Pocket Papa by Sandra Markle; Ill. by Alan Marks

Charlesbridge Publishing, 2010

936 Words; Level 4.4

Summary: Non-fiction. When the eggs of the hip-pocket frog hatch, the father sits while the tadpoles wiggle up his hind legs and into the hidden pockets on his hips. But that is only the beginning of a fascinating adventure.

Read for Luck: Even the youngest of children will be fascinated with the little baby froglets. Teachers can use in second grade for units on life cycles. Older children can use for projects about animal adaptations.

Rating:  (because it's educational...but teachers might rate it a 3 or 4)

4. FOR WRITERS

King Puck by Michael Garland

HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., 2007

550 Words; Level 3.0

Summary: Inspired by an Irish Festival. With the help of fairies, the farmer Seamus and his scrawny goat win top honors at a festival in Killorglin, Ireland, and receive a lifetime supply of books.

Read for Luck: Honors reading and story-telling. As a writing activity, make a list of all the fairytales and folktales you can think of. Then rewrite it from an animal's perspective and see where it takes you. Teachers could even use for a writing prompt, too.

Rating: 

Which book would YOU choose to read?