A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo

Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride Chapters 9-14

I Broke My Trunk! - Partner Read

The Ickabog by J. K. Rowling

Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Author J. K. Rowling is publishing her first non-Harry Potter children's book called The Ickabog! She wrote the book over 10 years ago and has just now decided to share it with us!

The Ickabog is being published for free on J. K. Rowling's website as a serial. (A serial is when a larger story is published piece by piece over time, like a chapter a day.) According to J. K. Rowling's website, the book will be published over seven weeks starting on May 26 and ending on July 10. That means that once you start reading, you'll have to wait for the next chapters to come out before you get to read more! This could be really hard!

There is also a contest to create the illustrations for when the book is published in print. Each day when chapters are uploaded, J. K. Rowling will give suggestions for what you can draw or paint to illustrate the story. Then your parents can enter your drawings at the publisher's website for a chance to be the actual illustrations used in the book when it is published in November.

I haven't read the story yet, but I'm just as excited as many of you will be to read more from the author of Harry Potter!

Read The Ickabog

The Illustration Contest

More Information about The Ickabog

The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers

Over in the Grasslands - Partner Read

Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride Chapters 1-8

We Are In a Book! - Partner Read

Get your elephant voice ready! Today you get to be Gerald the Elephant and I will read Piggie's part. Let's get started on We Are In a Book! by Mo Willems.

I Am a Story by Dan Yaccarino

Mercy Watson to the Rescue Chapters 7-12

Mercy Watson to the Rescue Chapters 1-6

The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt

Today's book is the follow to a book we read a few weeks ago called The Day the Crayons Quit. Find out today what happens when the crayons come home from vacation.

Guess Again! - Partner Read

For today's partner read you need to guess the end of each line. What word would make sense to finish each page? 

Then you need to guess again! Happy reading, and happy guessing! 

The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? - Partner Read

It's another Mo Willems book, but this time it's the Pigeon and the Duckling. You get to read the part of the Duckling so get your sweet and nice voice ready to go. I'll be the Pigeon.

The One and Only Bob Pages 291-335, The End

The Legend of Rock, Paper, and Scissors by Drew Daywalt

What About Worms!? by Ryan T. Higgins

HIGH FIVE by Adam Rubin

Get your hands ready. This book is about high fives, and the book gives you a chance to actually do high fives. Every time the book asks you to high five, clap as loud as you can with the high-fiver in the video.

In the book the narrator says that you can't high five yourself because that's just clapping. But for our situation, you can clap to make a nice, loud SLAP for the high five sound. Here we go!

The One and Only Bob Pages 248-290

Today's video is longer than normal, but I want to finish the book this week and not make you wait over Memorial Day Weekend for the ending. Tomorrow will be the end of the book! Feel free to pause the video and come back if you need a break.

President Taft is Stuck in the Bath by Mac Barnett

Lift - Partner Read

The One and Only Bob Pages 216-247

Drawn Together - Partner Read

Your part today is to study the pictures carefully. There are many pages without any words at all, and it's up to you to follow the story through the pictures. You can pause the video or go back any time you want to take a second or third look at the pictures.

The One and Only Bob Pages 188-215

Kel Gilligan's Daredevil Stunt Show by Michael Buckley

Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

Waiting Is Not Easy! - Partner Read

For today's Elephant and Piggie book, I will read Gerald the Elephant's part and you get to read Piggie's part.

Enough waiting! Let's get started!

The One and Only Bob Pages 161-187

The One and Only Bob Pages 131-160

My Teacher is a Monster! by Peter Brown

Is Bobby's teacher really a monster? Can you explain what's happening in this book? Pay close attention to the illustrations. That might be a clue as to what's really happening with Bobby and Ms. Kirby.

I Am Going! - Partner Read

Elephant and Piggie are two of my favorite characters, and I'm sure you like them too. Maybe they are some of your favorite characters too! That's why I"m sure you won't mind another Elephant and Piggie book for today's partner read. You read the part of Piggie, and I will be Elephant.

We're All Wonders by R. J. Palacio

The Julian Chapter BONUS READ ALOUD

Today's video tells more about the other Wonder books by R. J. Palacio and features a BONUS READ ALOUD from the book 365 Days of Wonder. The read aloud is emails between Auggie and Mr. Browne during the summer after fifth grade. Auggie's email tells Mr. Browne how he feels after getting the note from Julian that we read about in The Julian Chapter.

Time to Sleep Sheep the Sheep - Partner Read

For today's partner read, you get to read the main part of the book. I will read the speech bubbles of all the different animals. This might be a challenge, so I'll help you get started by pointing at the words at the beginning.

The One and Only Bob Pages 100-130

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More - Partner Read

Today your job as reading partner is to guess what body part is coming next. As you can see on the cover, this boy likes to paint. Even though he says, "I ain't gonna paint no more," he can't help it. He starts to paint himself! Look closely at the pictures and listen carefully for the rhyming clues that will help you guess what body part is coming next. Here we go!

The Library by Sarah Stewart

What a gift! Imagine over your entire life you built up a wonderful collection of something you loved. What would you collect? If you were to give that collection as a gift, who would it be for? How could you make your gift like Elizabeth's and be for a large group of people? 

The One and Only Bob Pages 67-99

The Julian Chapter Pages 85-96, The End

The Stinky Cheese Man by Jon Scieszka Part Two

And now, on to the second half of The Stinky Cheese Man. Pay attention for some of the characters from yesterday's reading, the first half of the story.

The One and Only Bob Pages 33-66

The Julian Chapter Pages 72-84

The Stinky Cheese Man by Jon Scieszka Part One

Don't be fooled. This is not about the Gingerbread Man, and these stories are not Fairy Tales. This is The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, just like it says in the title. It's a very odd book, but I think it's fun. Enjoy! 

The One and Only Bob Introduction and Canine Glossary

Below is the introduction to The One and Only Bob and the glossary that starts the book. The glossary is posted below this video. Continue to the next video on the Novels page to listen to the first chapters of The One and Only Bob.

Canine Glossary: You may need to check back with Bob's definitions as you listen to the story.

The One and Only Bob Pages 1-32

The Julian Chapter Pages 63-71

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

Make Way for Ducklings takes place in the city of Boston, and many of the places Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their ducklings visit are still there today. Even though the book was written in 1941, many of these places look very close to what they looked like when Robert McCloskey drew them for the book. Here are some pictures from today of those places: 

Boston Public Garden Footbridge (pause the video at 1:21)

Swan Boat at the Public Garden (pause the video at 2:10)

Boston State House (pause the video at 3:25)

This is the highway, now called Storrow Drive. The gap between buildings across the street is Mt. Vernon Street, the road the family traveled down next. (pause the video at 8:00)

Mrs. Mallard with Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack inside Boston Public Garden. (pause the video at 11:41)

The Julian Chapter Pages 45-61

Number the Stars - Afterword

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Go, Dog. Go! - Partner Read

Today's partner read doesn't have two different parts, but use the clues in the reading and pictures to help me finish the sentences where I pause. I know you can do it! 

Number the Stars Chapters 16-17

As you listen to the end of Number the Stars, think about a couple things. First, how would this story be different if it was told by another character? What if Ellen told the story? Or Uncle Henrik? Or Annemarie's mother? What if a German soldier was telling this story?

Next, think about who had the power in this story. Who is in charge? Who makes the rules? Are the people who make the rules always the ones in power? Hmmm... interesting questions to think about as you listen to the last two chapters of Number the Stars.

Chapter 16:

Chapter 17:

The Julian Chapter Pages 28-44

The Little Mermaid read by Jodi Benson

Jodi Benson is the actress who played Ariel in the original Disney movie The Little Mermaid. Now you can hear Ariel read about Ariel! Enjoy the story, everyone! 

The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

The Julian Chapter Pages 15-27

Number the Stars Chapter 14-15

Historical fiction books are made up stories (fiction) that take place in a real time in history (historical). These times in history really did happen, even if the characters and the story events are made up. That leads to some questions. What is real? What did the author make up? Even if you know which parts are based on history, you still might have questions about the details that really happened.

Historical fiction can teach us a lot about history, but it can also raise more questions. As readers, it is up to us to do further research to answer those questions. As you listen to chapters 14 and 15, and the rest of the book, actually, keep track of the questions you have about this time in history. We'll see which questions get answered and which ones require more research on our own.

Chapter 14:

Chapter 15:

Q is for Duck - Partner Read

Today's book isn't really for partners, where I read one part and you read another. Instead, I will read a part and then ask, "Why?" Your job is to try and answer the question. If you want to, you can pause the video each time I ask, "Why?" to give yourself more time to think about the answer.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Julian Chapter Pages 1-14

The Julian Chapter - Introduction

An introduction to The Julian Chapter from Mr. Wilhorn:

An introduction to The Julian Chapter from author, R. J. Palacio:

Number the Stars Chapter 12-13

We are getting closer to the climax, or the most important part, of the story. The excitement and drama has been building up and continues to do so in chapters 12 and 13. Keep listening for evidence of the themes we have listed on our "Seeing BIG Ideas (Themes)" document.

Chapter 12:

Chapter 13:

What's Your Sound Hound the Hound? - Partner Read

You have a fun job for today's partner read. You get to make all the animal noises in the book! Cat the Cat asks each animal what their sound is, and YOU get to make their sounds. Ready? Let's read!

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

This week we are going to read five classic picture books. Books that are classics have been around for a long time and kids have read them for years and years. Kids who enjoyed these books a long time ago (like me) are now grown-ups and sharing them with kids today. I hope you enjoy Strega Nona and the other classic books this week just as much I did then and still do today.

Number the Stars Chapter 10-11

There is even more to think about in chapters ten and eleven about themes in Number the Stars. Two important themes to consider in these chapters have to do with being brave and what friends do for friends. Enjoy chapters ten and eleven, and listen for how those lessons appear in the story.

Chapter 10:

Chapter 11: 

The Z Was Zapped by Chris Van Allsburg

After reading The Z Was Zapped, can you make your own alphabet book like this one? Can you think of things that could happen to each letter that start with that letter? Maybe your book could be things that happen at school or at home or while playing sports.

Number the Stars Chapter 8-9

Keep looking for evidence of themes in what the characters say and do in these chapters. Especially pay attention to what we learn about bravery in chapter nine.

Also in chapter nine, Uncle Henrik is pretty important. Number the Stars is not Uncle Henrik's story, so he is not a main character. He is a supporting character. As you listen to chapter nine, think about how important his role is even though he is only a supporting character. Think about what is going through Uncle Henrik's mind when Annemarie asks him some tough questions and as he shares with her some tough answers.

Chapter 8:

Chapter 9:

One Duck Stuck - Partner Read

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett

Pay really close attention to the pictures in this book. First, the pictures tell some of the story of what is happening to Sam and Dave. Also, look closely at the pictures at the beginning and end of the story. Look really closely.

That's (Not) Mine - Partner Read

Yesterday we read You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang, and today we get to read another book by the same author with the same characters. Once again you get to be the purple character and I will be the orange character. Watch closely! You get to start.

Number the Stars Chapter 6-7

Let's keep looking for BIG ideas in Number the Stars. Once you see a lesson, or a theme, that is being taught in a story, it becomes easier to find evidence of that theme. Keep listening for evidence in the characters' words and actions that show the themes in Number the Stars.

Chapter 6:

Chapter 7:

You Are (Not) Small - Partner Read

Time to read another book together. I will be the orange character you see on the cover. You will be the purple character that looks a lot like him.

Number the Stars Chapter 4-5

Today keep looking for BIG ideas or lessons from the story. All good stories have BIG ideas (also called lessons or themes) that readers can use in their own lives. None of us live in Denmark during World War II, but we still can use some of the lessons learned in Number the Stars.

As you think of those BIG ideas, look for the small moments that teach those lessons. Look at what characters say or do. Think about how characters react to the events in the story and ask why they act that way. For example, one BIG idea came from Mrs. Johansen in chapter 3. She says that friends will take care of the Hirsch family. "That's what friends do," she says. If friends taking care of one another is a theme in Number the Stars, can we find examples of characters doing just that?

Chapter 4:

Chapter 5:

Beauty and the Beast read by Paige O'Hara

Paige O'Hara is the voice of Belle in Beauty and the Beast, the original animated Disney movie. I hope you enjoy this short story version of Beauty and the Beast, read by Belle herself!

The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak

A friend recommended this book to me. "The kids will love it!" my friend said. "You just need to read it out loud for them. It will be great!"

I'm not sure I should trust this friend anymore. Just watch the video and you'll see why.

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown

It sure seems odd to see a Tiger walking around on two legs and wearing a suit and a top hat. Actually, it's strange to see all the animals doing that. It seem like they act that way because everyone else is. 

What changes for Mr. Tiger? What does he do about it, and how does his decision affect everyone else in the city? What do all the animals learn about who they should be?

Finally, what important lesson is there for all of us in this book? 

Monkey and ME - Partner Read

Your job for today's partner read is to tell what the girl and her monkey go to see. Use the pictures and BIG WORDS to read each animal they go to see. 

Forky in Craft Buddy Day by Drew Daywalt read by Tony Hale

A story about Forky read by ... Forky? Here is Tony Hale, the voice of Forky in Toy Story 4, reading Forky in Craft Buddy Day by Drew Daywalt. Enjoy!

Number the Stars Chapter 3

As you listen to chapter 3 today, be listening for any parts that you feel are important. Are there any sentences or paragraphs that stand out to you, almost like they are written in bold words because they are so important? Pay attention! Authors are always giving hints and clues, and if something seems important to you, there's a good chance you noticed it for a reason.

This is a Ball - Partner Read

This book is different than most of the books we have had for partner reads. The other books had two parts, one for me to read and another for you to read. Or at least the other books have a part you can read with me, like a repeated line.

But for this one you just need to follow along and tell me what you think as I read. I really need you to help me get everything right. Ready? Thanks!

The Yellow Star by Carmen Agra Deedy

The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark is a great book by itself. It tells the story about how the King of Denmark quietly and bravely stood up to the Nazi army of Germany at the beginning of World War II. The Yellow Star is also an introduction to the next 4th grade read aloud book, Number the Stars.

Fourth graders, pay close attention to the story and what Denmark was like at the beginning of World War II. Everyone else (and fourth graders too) enjoy the story.

A New Purpose (from Toy Story) read by Ally Maki

Ally Maki is the voice of Giggle McDimples in Toy Story 4. Here she is reading a story called A New Purpose from Toy Story.

Savvy Chapter 37 - The End

Nunber the Stars Chapter 1-2

As we start a new read aloud book, be sure to pay attention to who, what, where, when, why, and how of the story. All of this information in the first couple chapters of any book are super-important to understand and remember. Number the Stars takes place in the past which makes it historical fiction. Pay close attention to when the story takes place. It matters a great deal to the events of the story.

Chapter 1: 

Chapter 2: 

Wolves by Emily Gravett

Yesterday we read The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, but it was told from the wolf's perspective. In the story the wolf says, "I don't know how this whole Big Bad Wolf thing got started, but it's all wrong." Maybe this book will help him understand.

Did you pay close attention to the pictures in Wolves? At first the pictures seem pretty simple, but there's actually a lot happening. What did you notice? What was happening in the story while our main character, Rabbit, was lost in his new library book?

Savvy Chapter 35-36

One Family - Partner Read

One Family is a counting book. One Family is a book with things hidden in the pictures. Most importantly, One Family is a book about how families are all so different from one another yet are still families.

As you read with me, look at how different each family is from the others in the book. Which family is most like yours? Also, listen to what is named in the reading and see if you can find those items in the pictures. Feel free go back and watch the video a second time and pause it when you need to.

A Place for Mulan by Marie Chow read by Ming-Na Wen

Ming-Na Wen is the actress who does the voice of Mulan in the original animated Disney movie. (A different actress, Liu Yifei, plays Mulan in the new live-action movie coming out this summer.) This story is about how Mulan tries to fit in but finds it difficult. She learns a great lesson from her father about being who you were meant to be - yourself. Everyone has gifts of their own, and no one needs to try to be like everyone else.

Koala Lou by Mem Fox - Partner Read

For today's partner read you get to read the part of a mother who loves her child very much. You only have one line, but it repeats a lot. You get to say, "Koala Lou, I DO love you!" Make sure to make your voice sound like a mom who loves, loves, loves her child!

Let's read Koala Lou by Mem Fox together.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

The narrator of any story will tell the story from their own perspective. Perspective is how you look at something or how you feel about a certain thing. In a story a narrator's perspective is affected by who they are and role they play in the story.

You know the story of the three little pigs, of course. How would that story change if it was told from the wolf's perspective? Do you think the wolf would look at the events in the story differently than the pigs? Let's find out in The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by A. Wolf.

Savvy Chapter 34

Chewie and the Porgs by Kevin Shinick read by Joonas Suotamo

Here's another Star Wars book read by a Star Wars actor. This one is read by Joonas Suotamo, the actor who plays my favorite character, Chewbacca! This book gives more details about what happens when Chewbacca is on Ahch-To, the planet where Luke lives in The Last Jedi.

After the Fall by Dan Santat

All of you probably know the short nursery rhyme about Humpty Dumpty.

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again.

Author Dan Santat took that short nursery rhyme and wrote a story that tells what happened to Humpty Dumpty after his great fall.

What message can you take from this story? That's what a theme is: a lesson you can take from a story and use in your own life. What lesson do you learn in After the Fall, and how or when could you use it in your own life?

Savvy Chapter 32-33

Should I Share My Ice Cream? - Partner Read

Time for another Elephant and Piggie book. Let's read Should I Share My Ice Cream? together. This time I am reading Gerald the Elephant's part, and you get to read Piggie's part.

Moana and the Ocean by Heather Knowles read by Auli'i Cravalho

Moana is one of my favorite Disney movies, so I thought it was pretty cool to hear a Moana book read by Auli'i Cravalho, the actress who is the voice of Moana!

First, a quick lesson. The narrator of a story is whoever tells the story. Sometimes the narrator is "first person" which means that a character in the story tells the story. You can spot a first person narrator because they use words like I and me to tell the story. Sometimes the narrator is "third person" which means the story is told by a narrator that is not in the story. Third person narrators use words like he and she and they because they are telling a story about other people.

This story has a first person narrator. But what is interesting in this story is that the character telling the story is the ocean. Wait, the ocean is a character in a story? How can the ocean tell a story? It will make sense when you hear the story.

Let's Say HI to Friends Who Fly! - Partner Read

Here's another Cat the Cat book by Mo Willems. You get read all of Cat the Cat's speech bubbles once again. Here we go!

Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken by Kate DiCamillo, Part 2

Chapter 3:

Chapter 4:

Savvy Chapter 30-31

BB-8 on the Run by Drew Daywalt read by Daisy Ridley

Here's another Star Wars book read by someone in the Star Wars movies. Yesterday was Anthony Daniels. Today it's Daisy Ridley. I hope you enjoy BB-8 on the Run as much as I did.

R2-D2 and the Renegade Rescue read by Anthony Daniels

If you are a Star Wars fan like me, then you will enjoy this short story read by Anthony Daniels. You might not recognize his face or name, but Star Wars fans will definitely know his voice.

The story was first written in a Star Wars comic book and then rewritten for this storybook. In the story C-3PO has been captured by the Empire and R2-D2 tries to rescue him.

Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken by Kate DiCamillo, Part 1

Chapter 1:

Chapter 2:

Tough Boris - Partner Read

Savvy Chapter 28-29

Chowder by Peter Brown

Fitting in can sometimes be a problem, but Chowder does two things that I think are awesome. First, he does what he loves. He loves people toys more than dog toys, so that's what he plays with. He is true to himself. Second, he looks for friends like him. He doesn't change himself to try and fit in, rather, he finds the place where he does fit in. 

Cat the Cat Who Is That? - Partner Read

The main character in this book is named Cat the Cat, and she speaks in speech bubbles. I'll read the main text and any text bubbles for other characters, and you read all of Cat the Cat's speech bubbles.

Thanks and... Blarggie! Blarggie!

Savvy Chapter 27

We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen

Once again we have an ambiguous ending. (However, in my opinion, this one is a little more clear than the other ones.) What do you think happens at the end of We Have Found a Hat? Leave a comment if you'd like with your explanation of the ending. Thanks!

Let's Do Nothing! - Partner Read

This is one of my favorite picture books. The two parts are Sal (tall, orange hair) and Frankie (short, yellow hair). I will read Sal's part, but to get us started I will also read Frankie's part since he has a really long part in the beginning. After the first couple pages, you get Frankie's part. Ok? Great! Then...

Let's do nothing! I mean, Let's. Do. Read Aloud!!!

Savvy Chapter 26

Turtle in Paradise Author's Note

No background information links today since an Author's Note is basically just that - background information. I hoped you enjoyed the book!

Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds read by Governor Tony Evers

Tony Evers is the governor of Wisconsin. Recently he shared this video on Facebook of him reading Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds. As it says in the book, "Everyone has something to say." Thank you, Governor Evers, for sharing a great book with students of Wisconsin.

In addition, Governor Evers thanked Wisconsin students and parents for all we are doing to work from home. He knows it's not easy, but it is keeping people healthy.

I also want to say thank you to the many Wisconsin students and parents who are tackling school from home. It's not easy, but I appreciate your efforts to help keep our communities healthy and safe. #COVID19 #SaferAtHome

— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) April 15, 2020

A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse - Partner Read

In this book one of the main characters is a man with a bald head. I hope it's okay that I read his part since, you know, we have the same haircut. You get to be Mouse. Remember to pause or back up the video if you need to fix a mistake or read something better. Ready? Let's go!

By the way, do you know where they visited? The title includes "the bottom of the world," which is a pretty big clue. There are also clues in the weather and the animals they see. Leave a comment if you know where they went. Thanks! 

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

Once again author Jon Klassen has given us an ambiguous ending. He purposely left out some details to make the ending unclear. What do you think happened? What happened that we readers couldn't see inside where the plants are big and tall and close together?

Savvy Chapter 25

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

At the end of the video I said that author Jon Klassen made the ending ambiguous on purpose. Ambiguous means something is unclear or it could have more than one possible ending. He wanted readers to make up their mind about what happened on their own. 

What do YOU think happened at the end of the story? What clues make you think that? 

Museum Day - Partner Read

Museum Day was designed to be read with a partner. The directions are in the video. Listen for rhyming words. What rhymes do you hear? 

Savvy Chapter 24

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 18

Here is the background information for chapter 18 of Turtle in Paradise. See the Key West Colonial Hotel, what a Panama hat looks like, and if kids or grown-ups can be as sweet as Necco Wafers, what are they, exactly?

That is NOT a Good Idea! - Partner Read

Time for our next partner read. I will read what happens with Hungry Fox and Plump Goose. You read the part of the Baby Geese. 

Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett

That's a pretty amazing box of yarn. Why do you think Annabelle's box never ran out of yarn?

It's really interesting that the box worked like that for Annabelle, but to me it's even more interesting that it did NOT work for the Archduke. Why do you think the yarn box did NOT work for the Archduke? 

Savvy Chapter 22-23

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 17

The background information for chapter 17 includes a map of where the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 hit in Florida as well as a newspaper from the next day. It was a huge storm. Imagine living through a storm that big like the Diaper Gang did!

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

Peter Brown based The Curious Garden on an actual place, a park in Manhattan in New York City. The High Line park is built on an abandoned elevated railroad track. The park is long and skinny and winds its way through the city just above the streets. Use the arrows on the map below to walk the path through The High Line. Don't forget to stop and look around. Click and drag the screen to turn and look out over the city. The map starts at the southern end of the park.

In addition you can also visit The High Line website. The site has tons of photos of the park, the trails, and the artwork made for the park. It is also cool to see historical photos of what the tracks looked like when they were built and used as well as the time after the tracks were closed but before the park was created. It looks a lot like Liam's garden as it started growing!

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! - Partner Read

We've had a lot of books by Mo Willems, but so many of his books are great for partner reading! We've read a bunch of Elephant and Piggie books together, now it's time for the Pigeon. You get to be the Duckling. Make sure to get your Duckling voice is sweet and cute and nice! Are you ready? Let's read The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog ... With Special Guest Star: The Duckling!

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 16

This chapter just wouldn't be complete if you don't see and hear the real Shirley Temple singing "On the Good Ship Lollipop." Click here for background information on chapter 16. After seeing Shirley Temple sing the song, think about why Turtle doesn't like her. Then imagine what the Diaper Gang would sound like singing at the top of their lungs in the shack.

Savvy Chapter 20-21

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes

How do you feel after getting a haircut? Have you ever gotten a haircut that was a big change from what it used to be, like a completely new style or color or going from long to short? Or do you usually just get it shaped up and looking nice again? How does it feel when you look in the mirror? How does it feel when people see you with that new cut?

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 15

Just how far is "halfway to Cuba" from where they are? Take a look at the background information for chapter 15 and you'll see a map of what the area looks like. Key West is actually closer to Cuba (90 miles) than it is to Miami (163 miles). Also, this isn't the first time Turtle mentions the Bellewood, the house that she and her mother dream about living in. See what the actual Bellewood looks like.

Savvy Chapter 19

Eat Pete! - Partner Read

Today's book for partner reading is a not-so-scary monster book. (Unless you are scared of building towers with blocks and crashing them down. Then it might be scary.) Your job is to be the monster. Take a look at the monster on the cover of the book. What might his voice sound like? That's your voice!

Remember, if you have a partner at home, you can turn off the sound and read it with your partner at home. Or you might even read the whole book by yourself. Happy (hungry) reading!

Watch Me Throw the Ball - Partner Read

Once again you get to be Piggie for this partner read. Make sure to read it the way Piggie would sound. Piggie is happy, excited, and having fun. (I do my best to sound like Gerald the Elephant - a little proud and like a know-it-all.)

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

Sometimes enough is enough. That's the way the crayons feel in this book feel. They all have a problem with Duncan and the way he uses them.

Try this. Take a look in your crayon box. (Maybe it's a messy pencil box or a perfect Crayola box or a plastic bag with years of crayons stuffed inside.) Which crayons might have some complaints with you? What might your crayons be complaining about?

Once you imagine what your crayons' complaints with you might be, how would you make it better for them? I'd love to hear you responses! Leave a comment below this post or have a grown-up help you email me. Thanks!

Savvy Chapter 18

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 14

Here is the background information for chapter 14. Laurel and Hardy were a famous comedy team in the movies in the 1930's. This is how Turtle describes Pork Chop and Beans as they try to sail the boat. Then she says Ira and Kermit are a couple of stooges thrown in. She's talking about the Three Stooges, another famous comedy team in the movies at that time. After watching these videos, can you imagine what 4 kids acting like these characters would look like trying to sail a boat?

Savvy Chapter 17

Chapter 17 was recorded in two short videos instead of one.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 13

Check out the background information for chapter 13. See all the monsters the boys were talking about. All of them were from popular movies in the 1930's.

June 29, 1999 by David Wiesner

Holly Evans is quite a scientist, sending seedlings into space like that. What happened to Holly's seedlings? (You'll have to look carefully at the pictures. Pause the video if you need to.)

What sort of science work are you doing at home?

Think about one science thing you have done at home. Now use your imagination and think about what sort of crazy, unexpected thing could happen with that science activity?

It's Not Fair! - Partner Read

Today's book isn't really a partner read, but there is a part that you can help with. Get your worst voice ready for the "It's not fair!" parts. Wish I could hear you!

Savvy Chapter 15-16

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 12

Not too much to say about chapter 12 except maybe two things: 1.) Poor Aunt Minnie  2.) Poor Smokey. There's really only one thing you might want to see from chapter 12. (Or maybe not.)

I Really Like Slop! Partner Read

This is such a fun book to read out loud. I wish I could hear your voices and see your faces when you read Elephant's part, especially when he says, "Yikes!" and "NO WAY!" and "Urp!" and "Eek!" and "Ack!" and "Oop!" and "Urk! Urk! Urk! Urk! Urk!"

Savvy Chapter 14

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 11

Meet John D. Rockefeller and Shirley Temple right here.

A Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein

This is a great book of rhymes, so here's your rhyming challenge for today. After listening to the book one time, how many rhymes can you remember? Make a list of all the rhymes from the book that you remember, and then draw a line under them. Now go back and watch the video again and add all the rhymes you missed or forgot from the first time through.

How did you do? I'd love to see your lists! You can leave a comment at the bottom of this post or send me a picture of your list. Thanks!

Savvy Chapter 12-13

If you've been listening to Savvy up to this point, maybe you've been wondering what YOUR savvy would be if you were in the Beaumont family. Would it involve controlling something or a sort of superpower? You've heard several examples in the book already - Rocket's electricity, Fish's storms, Mama's perfection, and my favorite, the aunt who goes back in time 15 minutes whenever she sneezes.

What would your savvy be? 

In chapter 12-13, Mibs is starting to figure out her savvy and she's realizing that there are problems that come along with it. Earlier in the book we were told that the Beaumonts need to "scumble" their savvy, or learn to control it.

Think about what you said your savvy would be. Now think about what problems might come with it? If you had to scumble your savvy, what might you need to control? 

We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

School can be challenging, but not everyone faces the same challenges at school. For example, Penelope finds it hard to not eat her classmates. (After all, children are delicious.) It gets easier, however, after she learns a lesson from Walter.

Our situation is different from Penelope's. Of course, it's not the first day of kindergarten and not one of us is a T. rex. But we're also trying to do school from home. What challenges do we face in our new school situation? What makes school from home challenging? Share your answers with someone at home or you can share your by leaving a comment beneath this post.

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 10

See what a bottle of Je Reviens perfume looked like and learn more about Amelia Earhart (like who she is and why she's up in the clouds, as Turtle says) by following this link.

I'm a Frog! - Partner Read

In today's partner read, you get to be Piggie, and you have to start. I'll point for the first couple pages to get us started, but after than you are on your own, Piggie! Let's read! 

Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett

We have guest readers for today's picture book. Welcome (and thank you!) to Mr. and Mrs. Calteux for reading Birthday Bunny Battle Bunny aloud for us. Mr. Calteux is a 4th grade teacher at Mead, and Mrs. Calteux is a reading teacher at Grant and an instructional coach at Grant, Mead, and Woodside.

If you would like to make your own book, you can download and print a copy of Birthday Bunny at mybirthdaybunny.com. What kind of bunny do YOU think would be better than Birthday Bunny? 

Or, if you have an old book you have outgrown AND have your parent's permission, you can make changes to that actual book just like Alex did to his copy of Birthday Bunny. We'd love to see your creations! 

Savvy Chapter 11

Duck! Rabbit! - Partner Read

There is already a video on the website of me reading this book with my daughter. If you'd like to hear us read it together before reading it with me, you can watch the video here. Just don't forget to come back and read it with me!

Also, make sure to look at the links at the bottom of the page where you can make your own books based on Duck! Rabbit!. 

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 9

You can find more information about chapter nine at this link. See the beach where the Diaper Gang had a cut-up and learn more about The Shadow. 

Welcome Message #2

There is already a Welcome Message for this website, but since then we have had only 3 official work-from-home school days followed by a week of spring break. So this is Welcome Message #2 as we kick off our first full week of school-from-home

Welcome to Reading with Mr. W, a temporary website to provide students with reading materials during Wisconsin's temporary school closing due to Governor Evers' Safer At Home Order. This site was created with my students in mind, but the resources may be useful to students in other schools and other districts as well.

New material is being added each day to the site in three main categories.

1. Novel read alouds - One chapter or about 10-15 minutes of read aloud is being added each day for two novels. Turtle in Paradise was chosen specifically for fourth graders, and Savvy was chosen with fifth graders in mind. New books will be started when these are finished. 
2. Picture book read alouds - One book a day will be added. These books were chosen for students in grades kindergarten through third grade, but fourth and fifth graders will enjoy them too. Most books will include something to think about beneath the video.
3. Books to read with a partner - One book a day will be added. These videos can be used in two ways. First, Mr. W will read one part, and YOU can read the second part. Don't worry if you make a mistake. Just back up the video and try again! Second, mute the sound and read at home with your own partner.

I'm excited to make this resource for students. It doesn't replace sitting together on the carpet or sharing the same book while reading together, but I hope it works well during this safer-at-home time for all students and teachers. 

Parents and teachers, if you have questions or comments or suggestions, please use the contact form on the right side of this website.

Today I Will Fly - Partner Read

In this Elephant and Piggie book, I am reading Piggie's part again. You can read Elephant's part. Remember, if you already have a partner or if you just want to read by yourself, turn off the sound and play the video. 

Feel free to pause and back up the video if you make any mistakes or just want to read a page better the second time. Have fun!

Savvy Chapter 9-10

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 8

Two foods we don't get very often in Wisconsin are bollos (BOY-ohs) and flan, so here is a picture of each one: Chapter 8 Resources

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Pictures like the one in Duck! Rabbit! are called optical illusions. They are a trick for the eyes. You might see one thing, but then see another thing. Two people, like in the book, might see two different things and disagree, maybe even argue, about the image.

If we follow the pattern in the book Duck! Rabbit! but change the picture, we can make a new book. Here is an example that some of my students did a few years ago called Skull! Family!

You can give it a try too. Here are some templates you can use. All you need to do is type in the words for a new argument. Just 1.) Make a copy of the slideshow. 2.) Add words for the new argument. Or you can delete all the words, print out the pages, and then write in your own words. Or you an find any optical illusion you want and make your own book. It's your choice! (No matter what you decide, I'd love to see your new books!)

Template #1 - Lion! Hand!
Template #2 - Horse! Frog!
Template #3 - Woman! Flower!

*** Special thanks to my daughter, Megan, who helped me read Duck! Rabbit out loud. ***

Savvy Chapter 8

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 7

Here is the link for background information on chapter 8. See pictures of Sloppy Joe's, where Slow Poke's old first mate got bit by a shark. There's a video of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers who were famous movie stars and dancers in 1935. Turtle compares Slow Poke and Ollie's movements on the boat to them dancing. You can also see an example of a cistern. 

Savvy Chapter 6-7

Turtle in Paradise Chapter 6

Here is some more information about chapter 6. Learn more about Kewpie Dolls, poinciana trees, and a place called Pepe's.

Also, Turtle mentions a man nicknamed Papa who is at Pepe's with Johnny Cakes. The man says he's a writer. Papa is actually a real person. Yes, he really lived in Key West in 1935. Yes, he actually was a writer. And yes, Papa was his nickname. Even though Turtle tells him, "you'll never get famous unless you write for the funny pages," he is one of the most famous American writers ever. Do you know his name? Leave me a comment if you think you know.