Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic

Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic
by Mark Tatulli

Desmond Pucket has created many ingenious, gross pranks.   Unfortunately, the sixth-grader's creative tricks have gone too far and he finds himself left with just three chances to prove that he has changed.  If he doesn't, then it will be a new school and missing out on the class trip to Crab Shell Pier.   Will the prankster be able to change his ways?

What a funny book!  I found myself laughing many times as I read this story.   In addition to the humorous writing, author Mark Tatulli includes many hilarious illustrations that only add to the humor of this great book.   Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and similar books will want to read this book!

Book website: http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/landing/desmondpucket/


Book trailer:
 

Mrs. Harkness and the Panda

Mrs. Harkness and the Panda
by Alicia Potter
illustrated by Melissa Sweet

In 1934 very few had ever seen,  or even knew of, the panda.   Few had dared to travel to the bamboo forests of China to see the mysterious animal, but Ruth Harkness knew her husband was one who would be able to make the journey.  Although she wanted to go with him to China to find a panda, at the time very few felt women should be explorers.    Waiting at home while her husband journeyed through China, she received the heartbreaking news that her husband had died in China before completing his quest.   Despite the doubts of many, Mrs. Harkness decided to travel to China and brave the bamboo forests so that she could complete her husband's quest to find a panda.

This is a well-written story about the history of the panda and how the first panda was brought back to the United States.   While sharing this story with students, be sure to include the author's note at the end, which explains how, in the 1930s, the views of animal conservation were very different than they are now.   The author also explains that, although what Mrs. Harkness did nearly eighty years ago would likely not be done today, her actions helped bring world-wide attention to the panda.   

Jangles

Jangles: A Big Fish Story
by David Shannon

No one has ever caught the legendary fish Jangles, but many have tried!   A young boy recounts the incredulous tales his father has told him about the amazing Jangles, a huge trout residing deep in Big Lake.   His father tells him of numerous attempts to catch the famous local fish, from the use of entire turkeys as bait to throwing dynamite into the water to lure the enormous trout out!    Despite the many attempts to catch Jangles,  no one had been successful.   That is, until one fateful day when the boy's father had an unusual, memorable encounter with the famous trout that changed his life.

   This entertaining story is a great book to use to help teach about tall tales.   I recently shared this book with some of my classes and we discussed the use of exaggeration when telling tall tales.   As always, David Shannon's illustrations are wonderful!

Have You Seen My New Blue Socks?

Have You Seen My New Blue Socks?
by Eve Bunting
illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier

Poor Duck can't find his new blue socks!   He asks all his friends, but no one has seen them.     As Duck continues to unsuccessfully look for his blue socks, he grows sadder and sadder until one young friend helps him find is socks in a very obvious place!

This story is a cute rhyming tale with fun, bright illustrations of Duck and his helpful friends.    This will be a great read aloud for younger grades followed by discussions about our own experiences of losing items that are special to us.