Sunday, September 30, 2012

Library Mouse


Library Mouse
Author: Daniel Kirk
Genre: Fiction
Grade Level: Grades 1-2
Year Published: 2007

Summary
This book is about a mouse who decides to be a writer. Sam, who is the "Library Mouse," lives in a library in a school, behind the reference books shelf. Sam loves to read, so he feels like the library is a perfect place for him to live! Sam reads so many different genres of books, and loves them all. One night, he decides to write his own book! He put his books that he wrote out on the shelves so that other children could read the books by this mystery author. 

About the Author
Daniel Kirk was grew up in the 1950's and 60s in the Midwest. He loved art as a child, including sculpture and drawing in his list of hobbies. He grew up reading, as well, and one of his favorite authors was Dr. Seuss. HIs father was a radio announcer, and his mom was a singer. They both eventually became puppeteers (cool!) and would write and show their own versions of fables. He attended Ohio State University, and graduated from there in 1974. From that point, he eventually moved to New York to become an artist! There, he began a career as an illustrator. He met and married Julia Gorton, and they had two daughters, Ivy and Raleigh. He eventually thought about creating children's books himself, and that is how his career was born. His first book, Skateboard Monsters, was published in 1992. 
Source: http://www.danielkirk.com/

How to Use it
This book can be used to launch a writing workshop in the classroom! 

Pre-Reading: Have a class discussion about what it means to be an author. Students can talk with partners and share with the class their ideas. "What do authors do?"

Post-Reading: This book can be a great transition for students who are writing for the first time (K-1). After reading the book, discuss how Sam decided to write a book. What did he write about? How did he feel when he wrote? This can extend into students doing a writing piece on their own!

What do I Think?
I use this book every year in September, when I am launching my writing workshop. I think it can really show kids that anyone can be an author. I love how the mouse in the story loves to read, and translates that over to writing. I think that is something that all kids can relate to at a young age. This is a must-have for teaching writing in the primary classroom. 

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