I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato By: Lauren Child

Lola is a little girl who is VERY picky when it comes to food. She refuses to eat all vegetables, fruit, and even spaghetti! Charlie is Lola's older brother who helps with her dinner when their parents are busy. After Lola repeatedly refuses her dinner, Charlie begins to make up different names for foods. For example, he tells Lola that her carrots are "orange twiglets which are from Jupiter". After Charlie uses his imagination, Lola tries out the different foods on her plate and realizes that she actually likes all of them! In the end, Lola even begins making up creative names for food. This story is great for elementary students because it teaches them to try new things, especially healthy foods. Also, this book has great illustrations that children and grown ups will truly enjoy. I would suggest reading this book to a class one day before or after lunch, or if you are doing a health lesson to teach children to eat more fruits and veggies.

Ramona Quimby, Age 8

Ramona Quimby is a spunky little girl who is just starting the third grade. This books tells about every day life in the shoes of an "ordinary" eight year old. Ramona's family must use their resources sparingly because Mrs. Quimby is the only one working; Mr. Quimby is going back to college to become an art teacher. One night the family has to eat tongue for dinner! Ramona and her sister Beatrice protest and their punishment is to fix dinner the following night. Ramona only knows how to make french toast and jello! Situations like this arise daily for Ramona, and all readers will enjoy seeing how Ramona seems to get into mischief without even trying. This book is a great chapter book for new readers because it's easy to read and still has a few pictures to enjoy. I would suggest this book for everyday reading to a class and to demonstrate and average American family. You will find yourself giggling in every situation Ramona seems to get herself in!

Actual Size by Steve Jenkins

Have you ever wondered how big the eye of a giant squid is or what the length is of a great white shark's teeth are? Both these questions and more are answered in the non-fiction picture book, "Actual Size," written by Steve Jenkins.

The goal of this book is to sate a child's curiosity (or an adult) in the realm of things that are not normally accessible.

This book can be used in grades as low as 1st and all the way up through 5th.

For mathematics in 1st grade, you can use this book to teach comparitive subtraction. For instance the giant squid's eye is 1ft long and a bear is 13 ft tall...what is the difference between these two lengths?

For the sciences in 5th grade, you could have students do a research project on one of the animals from the book and then present it to the class using a technological format.

To incorporate language arts, the students could measure different objects around the room and compile them into their own story.

I would also just use this story to introduce a science lesson to my students.