Little Readers Ages 6-8: Recent Episodes

Joanne Avery

The mission here is to instill a love of reading in our little readers. To broaden their experiences through and from reading. To make it real for them by incorporating the elements of the story into their lives. First, you'll listen to a story read by Miss Joan, then respond to questions that engage listening and comprehension skills, which finally tap into the child's creativity, and applications to their daily circumstances. Virtual tutoring with Miss Joan is now available at https://www.littlereaders6-8.com

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The Day the Kids Took Over  written by Sam Apple, illustrated by Julie Robine, and published by JIMMY Patterson Books, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group Inc. in 2021.
     Listeners will discover the meaning of compromising, and how to resolve disputes through this story.

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Who Will Kiss the Crocodile?written by Suzy Senior, with illustrations by Claire Powell, and published originally in Great Britain by Little Tiger Press Ltd. & the U.S. by Tiger Tales Books in 2022.
   A modern version of Sleeping Beautythat will delight little readers with its rhyming cadence and happy ending!

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Splat the Cat and the Lemonade Stand ; A Level 2 I Can Read Book, created by Rob Scotton, with cover art by Rick Farley, and Laura Driscoll, with pictures by Robert Eberz, published by Harper Collins Children's Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers, in 2019.
          This is a story is about summer fun for two friends.   Splat and Spike learn to enjoy working together, and learn responsibility in this venture.  Listeners might also discuss goal setting after hearing this story.

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Flat Stanley and the Bees, created by Jeff Brown, story by Lori Haskins Houran, with pictures by Macky Pamintuan and published by Harper Collins Children's Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers in 2019.
          This is a perfect story of summer fun with Stanley, Arthur, and their friends!   The episode encourages listeners to retell the story by highlighting story elements that promote comprehension.

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Good Driving, Amelia Bedeliais written by Herman Parish, with illustrations by Lynn Sweat, and published by Greenwillow  Books, a division of William Morrow & Company, Inc. in 1995.
          Back by popular demand- Amelia is loved by our listeners all over the globe!  Get ready to laugh out loud as you enjoy the antics of Amelia and Mr. Rogers trying to drive through the countryside!

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Last Stop On Market Street is written by  Matt De La Pena, with pictures by Christian Robinson and was published by Puffin Books, part of Penguin Random House of London, in 2015.
          This story of realistic fiction reminds us of the rewards that come from simply being kind, and that beauty is all around us.  Also, it reminds us that sharing is caring, and simple acts of kindness can make us feel good inside.

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Last Stop On Market Street is written by Matt De La Pena, with pictures by Christian Robinson, and was published by Puffin Books, part of Penguin Random House of London in 2015.
           This is a realistic fiction story which reminds us of the rewards that come from simply being kind, and that beauty is all around us.  Vocabulary development is provided for urban/city life.  Promotes the idea that sharing is caring!

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Polar Bear Island  writtenby Lindsay Bonilla, illustrated by Cinta Villalobos, and published by Sterling Children's Books, NY.
   This story is about accepting differences among new friends.  Always be kind!

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Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stinkis written & illustrated by Diane deGroat, manufactured in 1996 by South China Printing Company Ltd. and distributed by Harper Collins Children's Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers, NY.
     This is a special Valentine's Day episode that includes a lesson about "The Golden Rule"-
Treat others as you want to be treated.   Always be kind and you will get kindness from others in return!
     Happy Valentine's Day!
      Miss Joanne

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'Twas the Night Before Thanksgivingis written and illustrated by David Pilkey, and published by Orchard Books, New York, in 1990.  Children may enjoy retelling this story as families gather during the holidays!  This story also commemorates Thanksgiving and Little Readers' second year anniversary!  We are very grateful to ALL of our listeners around the globe!  

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Bear Has A Story To Tellis written by Philip C Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead, and published by Roaring Book Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership in 2012.
   This story is about changing seasons, friendship, and also includes an introduction to hibernation and migration.  Miss Joan encourages listeners to further investigate animal's behavior, and retell the story using their own different voices for the characters in the story.

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Run, Turkey, Run! written by Diane Mayr, illustrated by Laura Rader, and published by Walker Publishing Company, Inc. in 2007.
    This story is strictly entertaining! It provides examples of personification and onomatopoeia, which helps youngsters in the process of re-telling the story, and remembering the correct sequence of events.  

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The Kiddie Table , is written and illustrated by Colleen Madden, published by Capstone Editions, a Capstone imprint, in 2018.
    Everyone can relate to this story, especially as the holiday season approaches, because we have all experienced what the main character is going through!  The importance of controlling strong emotions is stressed in the follow-up discussion.  Rhyming words are also highlighted by Miss Joan.

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Old Lion and Little Rabbitis written and illustrated by Keiko Kaichi, English Editions published in 2017 by Michael Neugebauer Publishing Ltd. in Hong Kong.

This is a heartwarming tale about the strength of bonds between friends.  Two extremely different creatures develop a powerful bond of friendship, demonstrating how to guard and protect our friends.  The main character demonstrates how the power of friendship can overcome even instinctive behaviors.

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Cherry and Olive is written and illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe, published by Walker Publishing Co., Inc. in 2007.  This realistic fiction story promotes discussion about friendship, bullying, diversity, and kindness.

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GRUMPY MONKEY Party Time!  is written by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang, and published by Random House Children's Books, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC in 2019.
  This story highlights the problem of being encouraged (or pressured) by friends to do something that you REALLY do not want to do.  Kids discover that speaking up and being true to their feelings is the solution, and it is okay not to follow the crowd.

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Stay: A Girl, A Dog, A Bucket List is written by Kate Klise, illustrated by Sarah Klise, and published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC in 2017.
     This heartwarming story focuses on the special relationships that all people develop with their pets.  We can also extend the overarching theme of this story to our personal relationships:  Just spending time with each other is more meaningful than the activities we do when we are together.  Cherish your time together!

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Muggie Maggie, written by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Kay Life, and published by William Morrow and Company, Inc. in 1990. 
     This is a funny story with a serious lesson for students worrying about the challenges of this new school year.

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Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures 2: The Great Egyptian Grave Robbery  was created by Jeff Brown and written by Sara Pennypacker, with pictures by Macky Pamintuan, published by Scholastic Inc. by  arrangement with HarperCollins Children's Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers in 2009.
     Flat Stanley's adventures create enjoyment through 'stretching' youngsters' imagination.  This book goes beyond fantasy to promote developing map skills, exploring different cultures, and also emphasizes being polite and kind, no matter what predicament may be at hand!
     Chapter markers are used in this episode to enable listeners to stop when they choose, and be able to pick-up where they left off easily the next time!

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We Are Brothers  is written by Yves Nadon, illustrated by Jean Claverie, and published by Creative Editions, an imprint of The Creative Company in 2018.
  This story highlights encouragement between siblings when faced with challenging activities.  This story is truly uplifting and inspirational for brothers and sisters alike!

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Elmore is written and illustrated by Holly Hobie, and published by Random House Children's Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, in 2018.
   This is a story about friendship & appreciating differences among ourselves. Vocabulary development is included with this episode

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A Real Friendis written by Jennifer Wolfthal, illustrated by Judi Abbot, and published by Clavis Publishing Inc. in 2020.
   This story promotes friendship building and consideration for others.

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Hildie Bitterpickles Needs Her Sleepwritten by Robin Newman, illustrated by Chris Ewald, and published by Creston Books, LLC in 2016.
 This delightful story borrows characters from other classic children's stories to aid with sequencing events and retelling.  Onomatopoeia, which are words that mimic sounds, adds to the fun of this story!  The social learning within promotes getting along with others through honesty and discussion of problems, resulting in solutions that make everyone a bit happier!

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Don't Rant & Rave on Wednesdays !is written by Adolph Moser, Ed.D., illustrated by David Melton, and published by Landmark Editions, Inc. in 1994.
This book holds many suggestions for managing behavior under the stress of anger.  No matter how old you are, controlling your behavior when annoyed is something everyone needs to practice.

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Don't Tell A Whopper on Fridays! The Children's Truth-Control Bookis written by Adolph Moser, Ed.D., illustrated by David Melton, and published by Landmark Editions, Inc. in 1999.
   This book was written to help us realize that being truthful is important, and becoming a more truthful person is what everyone should strive to be!

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Don't Despair On Thursdays! is written by Adolph Moser, Ed.D., illustrated by David Melton, and published by Landmark Editions, Inc. in 1996.
   This is a children's book dealing with grief- management.  After losing a relative, or a friend, or a pet, children may grieve more intensely than adults, and need all the love, consideration, and help that we, as adults, can offer!  This episode offers thoughtful reflections and suggestions for all listeners to help manage grief.  

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The Scaris written by Charlotte Moundlic, illustrated by Olivier Tallec, and published by Candlewick Press in 2011.  This story exemplifies strategies for children dealing with grief, leaving listeners more hopeful.  The author poses effective strategies for dealing with strong emotions, which promotes enriching family discussion.

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The Belonging Treeis written by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, illustrated by Kristine A. Lombardi, and published by Henry Holt & Company Publishers, a registered trademark of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC in 2020.
   This story has a message for people of all ages regarding respect & inclusion- "the way a neighborhood should be".

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David's Fatheris written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, and published by Annick Press Ltd. in 2004.
   This is a humorous story that stresses differences among families.  The main character, Julie, learns that it doesn't matter how people look - more importantly - how they respect & love one another is what matters most!

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What Should Darla Do? written by Ganit and Adir Levy, illustrated by Doro Kaiser, and published by Elon Books in 2019.  Darla uses her 'power to choose' in this episode to learn that admitting mistakes and being truthful always results in a good day.  

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Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes is published by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, in 2000.  This is a delightful story about a topic that can cause BIG problems.  Wemberly, the main character, provides listeners with solutions for easing worry.

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"Martin's Scarf" is taken from the book entitled 24 Stories for Adventwritten by Brigitte Weninger, illustrated by Eve Tharlet, and published by NorthSouth Books Inc. in 2015.
   There is an important lesson in this story from a youngster with a big heart and some loose change in his pocket!

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A Clever Beatrice Christmas is written by Margaret Willey, illustrated by Heather M. Solomon, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers in 2006.
   This story highlights French Canadian Christmas traditions and the delightful wittiness of Beatrice, the main character.  One thing is certain, however, Santa is " the cleverest of all." Enjoy the story and festive music with special sound effects in this episode! 

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Dear Santa, I Know it looks BAD But it Wasn't My FAULT!  is written by Norma Lewis, illustrated by Olivia Beckman, and published by Peter Pauper Press, Inc., in 2018.
   A mischievous cat named Scalawag tries to explain the way things 'really happened' to Santa.  His change of heart will surprise you!

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Cookiesaurus Christmas is written by Amy Fellner Dominy & Nate Evans, illustrated by A.G. Ford, and published by Scholastic Inc. in 2018.
     Enjoy this funny story about a cookie getting ready for Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve. The episode includes a suggestion for a new Christmas tradition- you might try it!

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Think For Myself At The Park is written by Kristy Hammil,  illustrated by Alex Bjelica, and published by Kristy Hammil with Holistic Thinking Kids in 2018.  
This story encourages children to be independent thinkers and to take pride in being that way! You may find other stories like this by visiting www.holisticthinking.org 

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Stephanie's Ponytailis written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, and published by Annick Press Ltd. in 2004.
   This story suggests ideas that deal with peer interactions regarding "copycats".  A humorous story with a change in perspective toward copying ideas & styles.

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What Do You Do With A Problem?is written by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom, and published by Compendium, Inc. in 2016.  This is another inspirational story for people of all ages.  It leads listeners to discover the 'silver lining of each cloud' that hovers over our heads as we journey through life.  This book makes a wonderful keepsake gift!

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The Cow Who Climbed A Treeis written & illustrated by Gemma Merino and published by Albert Whitman & Company in 2016.  This story encourages curious dreamers to always follow their dreams because the possibilities are endless.  You'll do things that are surprising and remarkable- dream on!

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Come With Me is written by Holly M. McGhee, illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre and published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, a division of Penguin Random House LLC in 2017.
This is a story of encouragement, kindness, and bravery in a world that can be very frightening to children.  Listen for things we can do for our children to ease anxiety and make the world a better place.

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The Kindness Quilt written and illustrated by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, published by Marshall Cavendish Corporation in 2006.  The main character, Minna, has an idea that you'll want to hear, no matter what your age!  

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Strega Nona's Harvestis written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, and published by the Penguin Group, New York, NY in 2009.  Another delightful, inspirational story of Strega Nona and her helpers, Big Anthony and Bambolona, sharing their bounty at harvest time.

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What Do You Do With A Chance? written by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom, and published by Compendium, Inc. in 2017.
This is an inspirational story for all ages.  Beautifully illustrated with pencil & watercolors creating adorable characters with an encouraging message.  What do you do with a chance?  "You take it because it could lead to something incredible." The possibilities for discussion are endless.  

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Strictly No Elephantsis written by Lisa Mantchev, illustrated by Taeew Yoo, and published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers in 2015.

This is a delightful story about friendship and never leaving anyone behind.

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Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon (S.E.L.) is written by Patty Lovell, illustrated by David Catrow, and published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group, in 2001.
   This delightful story emphasizes appreciating our differences, treating others as you want to be treated, and the power of positive thinking.  Self- confidence grows from positive reinforcement from everyone around you!  

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The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything is written by Linda Williams, illustrated by Megan Lloyd, and published by HarperCollins Children's Books in 1986.
     This is a Halloween story that will delight youngsters and motivate them to retell it to friends or family members.  Enjoy this Halloween season!

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What Should Darla Do? (S.E.L.) is written by Ganit & Adir Levy, illustrated by Doro Kaiser, and published by Elon Books in 2019.
    Darla shows us how to reset a bad day with her super power to choose.  This episode is the second version of eight in this choose your own ending book.  This book promotes limitless discussion and would make a treasured gift.  Also, remember "What Should Danny Do?" (2017) by the same authors, when buying books.

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What Should Darla Do? The Power To Choose written by Ganit & Adir Levy, illustrated by Doro Kaiser, and published by Elon Books in 2019.
     This is another 'choose your own ending' book just like "What Should Danny Do?".  Darla demonstrates how her choices can change her days. This episode generates discussion about the power to choose, and how to turn bad days into good days!

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What Should Danny Do? The Power To Choosewritten by Ganit & Adir Levy, illustrated by Mat Sadler, published by Elon Books, in 2017.  
     This episode demonstrates how anger interferes with your ability to make good choices.

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What Should Danny Do? The Power To Choose is written by Ganit & Adir Levy, illustrated by Mat Sadler, and published by Elon Books in 2017.
     The power of making good choices is discovered through this 'choose your own ending' book.  There are nine stories included in this book!

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The Invisible String is written by Patrice Karst with illustrations by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, and published by Little, Brown & Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. in 2018.
     This story helps children understand life's challenges of any magnitude that create fear, anxiety, or loss.

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Pete the Cat's Got Classby James Dean is published by Harper Collins Children's Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers in 2016.  This story suggests ways to make math appealing through connections to a child's individual interests.

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Pete the Cat: Too Cool for School is written and illustrated by Kimberly and James Dean,
published by Harper Collins Children's Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers in 2014.  This story introduces decision making skills within the usual color antics of Pete, our favorite cool cat!

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Looking for Yesterdayis written and illustrated by Alison Jay and published by Candlewick Press in 2019.
   Grandfatherly advice helps a young boy in his quest for going back in time.  Episode includes suggestions for saving 'your best days'.

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The Name Jar is written & illustrated by Yangsook Choi, published by Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc. in 2001. 
This story recaps being the new kid in the classroom, which can be quite frightening!  The author reminds us that our differences make us special & respect for those differences promotes rewarding friendships.

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Those Shoes is written by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones, published by Candlewick Press in 2009. 
This story promotes discussion of many topics such as:
1) mocking or laughing at others,
2) wants vs. needs,
3) gratitude for those caring people close to you,
4) donating to organizations that help people in need.

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Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids is written by Carol McCloud with illustrations by David Messing and published by Bucket Fillosophy, an imprint of Bucket Fillers, Inc. in 2016.
   This story presents a simple metaphor for staying happy even when things go wrong!

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Don't Feed The Monster On Tuesday is written by Adolph Moser, Ed.D., illustrated by David Melton, and published by Landmark Editions, Inc. in 1991.  
   This story defines self-esteem for children and suggests ways to guard and protect it.

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The Day You Begin is written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael Lopez, published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group in 2018.
   This story reminds us as the new student in class, or the new kid on the block, we use our bravery to boost our confidence.  Begin to tell your story and step out toward new friends.  If you reach out, others will meet you half way!

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"Testing Miss Malarkey" (2000), is taken from the book Miss Malarkey: Stories from Room 10(2010) and is written by Judy Finchler, with illustrations by Kevin O'Malley, published by Barnes & Noble, Inc. by arrangement with Walker Publishing Co., Inc.
   This is a humorous story that captures the chaos surrounding standardized testing days
written from a student's perspective!

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"Miss Malarkey Won't Be in Today"(1998) is taken from the book entitled Miss Malarkey: Stories from Room 10written by Judy Finchler, with illustrations by Kevin O'Malley, published by Barnes & Noble, Inc. by arrangement with Walker Publishing Company, Inc., a division of Bloomsbury Publishing, Inc. in 2010.
   This story captures what could go wrong with a substitute taking Miss Malarkey's place in her class.

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This story is taken from the book "Miss Malarkey: Stories from Room 10" written by Judy Finchler with illustrations by Kevin O'Malley, published by Barnes & Noble, Inc. by arrangement with Walker Publishing Company, Inc. a division of Bloomsbury Publishing, Inc. in 2010.  

This story ventures into a first grader's imagination regarding teachers and what goes on at school when the students are not there.

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The Forgetful Farmer written by Craig Tweedt and illustrated by Michael Denman, published by Modern Curriculum Press, Inc. in 1986.  This story is a perfect example 
realistic fiction!

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Frog and Toad Are Friends:  The Letter is written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel, and published by Scholastic, Inc. by arrangement with Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc. in 1970.
This episode encourages children to show someone special just how much they care by sending them a letter, or some original artwork. This story could lead to bringing a smile to those people confined by the pandemic.

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A Bed For Fredwas written by Lori Zoss, with illustrations by Cheri Polk and published by Hugo House Publishers in 2013.  This episode features a lesson on rhyming words and the story highlights the 'growing pains' of a young pup.

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There Was An Old Womanis written by Stephen Wyllie with pictures by Maureen Roffey and published by Harper & Row Publishers, Inc. in 1985.  This is a delightful story which Miss Joan uses to focus on the skill of sequencing events. Please, encourage your little reader to re-tell this story in order to enhance their comprehension.

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Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes is written by Eric Litwin with art by James Dean, and published by Scholastic Books, Inc. by arrangement with Harper Collins Publishers, Inc in 1999.  In this episode you will hear Pete the Cat sing as he enjoys a walk in his brand new shoes.  

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Amelia Bedelia Helps Outwritten by Peggy Parish, with pictures by Lynn Sweat, published by Avon Books, a division of The Hearst Corporation in 1979.  You will laugh during this story and you will also learn about homophones. Homophones are words that sound alike but are spelled differently, and have different meanings.

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Flat Stanley: His Original Adventurewritten in 1964, renewed copyright in 1992 by Jeff Brown with illustrations by Macky Pamintuan in 2009, published by Harper Collins Publishers. This episode features a delightful chapter book that appeals to the imagination and sense of humor of listeners of all ages!  A follow-up discussion leads young listeners to the author's intent for life lessons.  After listening to this episode parents may encourage retelling or drawing Flat Stanley in his original adventure.  Learning and fun rolled into one episode!

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Pinkalicious iswritten by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann, illustrated by Victoria Kann, and published by Scholastic Inc. in 2006.  This story promotes discussion of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.  Our guest reader, Brielle, does an awesome job reading this story with enthusiasm, and she also summarized it by herself!  

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This story, entitled Kite, is taken from Days With Frog and Toad written by Arnold Lobel and published by Scholastic Inc. in 1979. This story encourages children to try new things and never give up, in spite of what others might say!

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Days With Frog and Toadis written by Arnold Lobel and published by Scholastic Inc. in 1979.  This book is a collection of five stories, each with a different life lesson.  This episode features the short story entitled "Tomorrow", which encourages youngsters to complete work before playing or taking life easy.

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The Kissing Hand is written byAudrey Penn, illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak, published by Tanglewood Publishing, Inc. in 2006.  When Chester Raccoon does not want to go to school his mother shares a secret that helps overcome his fear.  

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"I Knew You Could!" written by Craig Dorfman & illustrated by Cristina Ong in 2003, published by Penguin Group (USA) Inc. was inspired by the original publication of "The Little Engine That Could" (1930) by Watty Piper.  This episode is dedicated to graduates everywhere, no matter what stage they have accomplished!  Congratulations!

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Minnie and Moo Go to the Moon is written and illustrated by Denys Cazet, and published by DK Publishing, Inc. in 1998.  You will surely laugh during this episode as Minnie and Moo travel where no cow has gone before!  This story features a brief discussion of personification, onomatopoeia, sound effects, and encouragement to creatively read independently.

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Cork & Fuzz: Short and Tallwritten by Dori Chaconas and illustrated by Lisa McCue, published by The Penguin Group (USA) in 2006, and as an imprint in 2010 by Puffin Books (a division of The Penguin group (USA).  This is a delightful tale of two friends discovering the true meaning of friendship.  Offers a discussion of examples of genuine caring between the two characters.

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Cork & Fuzz: Best Friendswritten by Dori Chaconas, and illustrated by Lisa McCue, published by Penguin Young Readers as an imprint by The Penguin Group (2012).  You will chuckle as you listen to the antics of these two characters!

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I'm Not Scared of the Dark is written by Patrick McNulty and published in 2020 by the Ministry of Monsters Press.  This story promotes strategies to help youngsters face their fears.

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I'm not Scared of Grandma's Basement is written by Patrick McNulty in 2020, and published by The Ministry of Monsters Press. This e-book provides a strategy for youngsters, ages 6-8, to overcome their fears.

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Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes is written and illustrated by Kimberly and James Dean and published by Harper Collins in 2016.
Pete and his friends demonstrate loyal friendship with truth, and gaining trust for second chances.  This episode encourages math activities as youngsters assist in the kitchen.

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Mac And Cheese is written by Sarah Weeks, illustrated by Jane Manning and published by Harper Collins e-books in 2010.  It is a short story about friendship and compromising between two cats, Mac and Cheese.
This story features rhyming words with a brief lesson and suggested activities for follow-up applications.  Afterwards, listeners could also discuss the action words (VERBS) featured in the story (i.e. pouncing, bouncing, skipping, etc.).

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The Bad Seed is written by Jory John, with illustrations by Pete Oswald, and published by Harper Collins Publishers in 2017.  A short story with a valuable lesson about relationships.

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You Get What You Get (2012) is written by Julie Gassman with illustrations by Sarah Horne and published by Picture Windows Books, a Capstone Imprint.  This is a delightful story about self-control and dealing with disappointment.  The main character, Melvin, learns how to apply a rule from school to his home life and he truly experiences its benefits.

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Freckle Juice (1971) is written by Judy Blume, with illustrations by Sonia O. Lisker, published by Dell Publishing, a division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.
The main character, Andrew Marcus, learns how to appreciate differences as specialties that make everyone unique individuals.

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Freckle Juice (1971) is written by Judy Blume, with illustrations by Sonia O. Lisker, published by Dell Publishing, a division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.
The main character, Andrew Marcus, learns how to appreciate differences as specialties that make everyone unique individuals.

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Amelia Bedelia Means Business is written by Herman Parish III, with pictures by Lynne Avril, published in 2013 by Greenwillow Books, an Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers.  This book will be presented in 4 episodes on Little Readers 6-8 Podcast (lasting approximately 20-25 minutes each).  Enjoy Amelia's antics and humor as she pursues her dream of getting a new bike.

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Amelia Bedelia Means Business, written by Herman Parish III, with pictures by Lynne Avril, published in 2013 by Greenwillow Books, an Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers.
This chapter book is presented in 4 episodes on Little Readers 6-8 Podcast, lasting approximately 20-25 minutes each.  Enjoy Amelia's antics and humor as she pursues her dream of getting a new bike.

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Amelia Bedelia Means Business is written by Herman Parish III, with pictures by Lynne Avril, published in 2013 by Greenwillow Books, an Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers.  This book will be presented in 4 episodes on Little Readers 6-8 Podcast (lasting approximately 20-25 minutes each).  Enjoy Amelia's antics and humor as she pursues her dream of getting a new bike.

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Amelia Bedelia Means Business is written by Herman Parish III, with pictures by Lynne Avril, published in 2013 by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers.  
This book is presented in 4 episodes on Little Readers 6-8 Podcast (each lasting approximately 20-25 minutes).  Enjoy Amelia's antics and humor as she pursues her dream of getting a new bike!

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A story of battling  bunnies and a determined gardener, Mr. McGreely. Written by Candice Fleming and illustrated by G. Brian Karas, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers in 2012.  Who will win the battle over yummy, crisp vegetables?  Includes a brief discussion about onomatopoeia, synonyms, and opposites.

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Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer(2009), written by Carol Brendler with pictures by Ard Hoyt is published by Farrer Straus Giroux of New York.  A story about a creative youngster striving toward a goal, while helping others at the same time.  

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Bob And Tom(2017), written and illustrated by Denys Cazet, published by Antheneum Books for Young Readers, a division of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
This is a delightful story of true friendship, good humor, and looking forward to an even better tomorrow.

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Badger's Perfect Garden (2019), written by Marsha Diane Arnold & illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, published by Sleeping Bear Press.  This story demonstrates how changing our plans due to Mother Nature can still result in happy endings.

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Lion Lessons (2016), written and illustrated by Jon Agee, published by Dial Books for Young Readers.  This is a story about determination and being the best you can be, at whatever you choose.

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All For Me And None For All (2012), written by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger, published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children uses personification to deal with greed.

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Strega Nona's Magic Lessons (1982), written and illustrated by Tomie de Paola, published by Harcourt Brace & Company. An Italian folk tale about truthfulness and honesty.

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Strega Nona (1975), written and illustrated by Tomie de Paola, published by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.
     An Italian folktale with a lesson about paying attention to details and listening carefully. 
This episode features Italian music and realistic sound effects.

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Something Might Happen (2003), written by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger, published by Houghton Mifflin Co.  A delightful story of an adorable lemur with a lesson for all regarding worries and stress!

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Tacky and the Winter Games (2005), written by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger,  and published by Houghton Mifflin Co., is a delightful story of companionship.   In this episode, Tacky and his companions participate in the Winter Games representing Nice Icy Land.  Listen to find out if the team overcomes obstacles presented by Tacky with his unusual athletic skills!  The music and sound effects make this presentation extraordinary.

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Giraffe and Bird Together Again, written and illustrated by Rebecca Bender in 2018, published by Pajama Press, Inc., Toronto, Ontario Canada.
This is a delightful tale of true friendship with a lesson to apply for everyday life- no matter what your age is!  

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Don’t Laugh at Giraffe, written & illustrated by Rebecca Bender (2012) published by Pajama Press, Inc. presents a story of two uncommon companions, Bird and Giraffe.  The two, demonstrate true friendship in good and bad times.  In this story, Bird stands up for Giraffe in an instance of humiliation.  Discover how friendship can be tested and mended all on the same day through laughter and a caring heart.  This episode features authentic music and sound effects to depict the setting of the story.

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Pencil: A Story with a Point, written by Ann Ingalls & illustrated by Dean Griffiths (2019), was adapted for this podcast by Joanne Avery(2020). 
   This episode is dedicated to a young man with the initials M.D.A., who loves his tablet and knock-knock jokes! 
   This story contains fun with puns and personification. Jackson, the main character, and Pencil used to have loads of fun drawing together.  But after Tablet arrives on the scene and takes over, Pencil is no longer #1.  He feels pointless.  How will he win Jackson back?
   You can get this book at your local library, too!

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The Man with the Violin, written by Kathy Stinson & illustrated by Dusan Petricic (2013) Adapted for the podcast by Joanne Avery (2019). This story recaps the experiment done by world-famous violinist Joshua Bell with The Washington Post on 1/12/2007. Bell was dressed as an ordinary street musician playing his Stradivarius violin in the lobby of a Washington, D. C. train station. After playing 43 minutes he only observed a few people stopping to listen, and he only had $32.17 laying in his violin case-yet people usually pay hundreds for a ticket to hear him in a concert hall. The story inspires all to stop, look, and listen to the beauty and miracles in our daily lives, and to respect the imagination and curiosity of our children in their quest toward their aspirations.

This podcast is dedicated to music teachers everywhere and to my mother, Beatrice Gilbride, a concert violinist, and Josh Z., a former student of mine, who could make the violin ‘sing’ from the time he was 3 years old!

Resources:

Washington Post Subway experiment, Joshua Bell, 2007

www.itunes.com/voice of the violin, Joshua Bell

www.youtube.com/Vocalise, Op.34 No.14, Joshua Bell & Michael Stern Orchestra

www.youtube.com/ Am I Wrong by Nico & Vinz, Cover by Damien Escobar, Black Star Elephant, 2014.

Subscribe to hear Damien Escobar first: http://bit.ly/1QIGLXi For more Damien Escobar covers click here: http://bit.ly/1SmLI85

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Tacky's Christmas written by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger (2010) is a story for all ages!  It captures the true meaning of the holiday season by demonstrating how an odd gift and warm hearts can save the day.  Enjoy festive carols and a new selection of music by Igor Khainskyi entitled "Christmas Magic" during this episode.  Happy Holidays to all! 

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This story was written and illustrated by Amy Young in 2010. The main character, Emmalina, is a fairy trying to earn her wings by doing something important.  Her talents and interests are quite different from the other fairies.  The lesson here is to be true to yourself, exploring your talents & interests, as long as you are enjoying them and getting better every day. 

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In this story, the main character demonstrates how differences make every living creature special.  The author, Karina Wolf (2018), wrote this story about her own dog.

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Trudy Ludwig (2013) highlights strategies of relationship building for children- demonstrating the value of consideration, compassion, and empathy.

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A classic story, by Russell Hoban, encourages youngsters to try new things. This episode may foster productive discussions about health and nutritious foods.  Something we allneed to focus on in this 'fast food' society.

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Author Judith Viorst teaches another valuable lesson through the beloved character Alexander. This story, published by Atheneum Books (1978), emphasizes the difficulties
in trying to save money. It will make you laugh!