3rd grade read aloud

All posts in the 3rd grade read aloud category

A Bad Case of Stripes, by David Shannon

Published November 28, 2012 by Dagmar

A bad case of stripesMy third graders were so happy when I read this funny book today.  It delivers a great message about staying true to yourself.  Written by a student favorite author, David Shannon, this book is full of great, full colorful illustrations that really capture my listeners’ attention.

Synopsis: Camilla loves lima beans.  But, admitting that she likes lima beans will make her unpopular at school.  So, Camilla doesn’t eat lima beans.  Unfortunately, one day, Camilla wakes up with her body covered with stripes.  Her doctor declares her fine to go to school; but, when she goes to school, Camilla’s classmates quickly realize that they can change her colors by talking about different things.  Her parents call in specialists and then experts.  All their prescriptions end in disaster until an old lady comes to the door with…you guessed it…lima beans.  Camilla decides that being unpopular because she likes lima beans is much better than the alternative.

The Widow’s Broom, by Chris Van Allsburg

Published November 15, 2012 by Dagmar

widowsbroomMy favorite Halloween book for older listeners comes from one of my favorite children’s authors, Chris Van Allsburg.  Like all of his books, The Widow’s Broom has wonderfully detailed sepia illustrations.  There are magical elements and sufficient “scariness” for 3rd and 4th graders to really enjoy the book.

Synopsis: A witch falls out of the sky when her broom wears out.  She leaves with another witch but leaves her old broom behind.  The Widow Shaw inherits the broom and finds it to be very useful.  Not only does it sweep (it’s favorite activity), but it also chops wood, fetches water and plays piano.  Neighborhood children tease it as it’s sweeping.  The broom makes short work of their dog (flinging it into a tree) and scares the children.  When the neighbors hear about the broom, they tell Minna Shaw that it is evil.  She and the broom hatch a scheme that sends the neighbors away and leaves them in peace.