Weird but True: 300 Outrageous Facts

This book will have kids totally hooked! There are totally crazy facts on every page that will keep kids flipping until the very end. I would definitely keep this in the classroom. It's an interesting and creative way to get kids more excited about reading.

 Weird but true: 300 outrageous facts. (2010). Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.  

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

This hilarious retelling of the Three Little Pigs is written in the wolf's perspective! This story lets the reader know that the whole thing was a misunderstanding and an accident. The wolf tells readers that he had a bad cold and that was what caused him to blow down the pigs' houses. It is very entertaining. 

This book would work wonderfully for a read aloud, and could also be incorporated into a lesson about perspective or point of view. 

Scieszka, J., & Smith, L. (1989). The true story of the 3 little pigs. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Viking Kestrel.

Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood is traveling on her own through the woods when a devious wolf convinces her to stray from the path. The wolf proceeds to eat her grandmother before Little Red can reach her. The young girl has to find a way to avoid being eaten herself!

This classic folk tale would be a great addition to any classroom. It could be used to teach a lesson about safety and "stranger danger" and its charming quality makes this book an excellent read aloud. I think this book would also work well for creative writing exercises because it is so well-known by most children.

 Hyman, T., & Grimm, J. (1983). Little Red Riding Hood. New York: Holiday House.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

This collection of hilarious, insightful, meaningful poems by Shel Silverstein is so perfect for any classroom. Whether the reader is learning of the importance of taking out the garbage or knowing how to do math with money, that reader will be laughing all through this book. It is a personal favorite of mine and I can't wait to someday share it with students.

 Silverstein, S. (1974). Where the sidewalk ends: The poems & drawings of Shel Silverstein. New York: Harper and Row.  

A Pizza the Size of the Sun

This collection of poems by Jack Prelutsky is perfect for an occasional read aloud and a place in any classroom library! His poems are humorous and fun.

 Prelutsky, J., & Stevenson, J. (1996). A pizza the size of the sun: Poems. New York: Greenwillow Books.