John Manders

children's picture book (illustrations by John Manders, to the words of a traditional Mexican folk song). I don't think I did the song justice with my singing voice today, but the kids enjoyed it anyway. (2nd/3rd graders, but can also be enjoyed by younger/older kids, provided I practiced a bit more.) Several in the class wanted me to read it again right away, and some didn't (haha). The end of the book includes sheet music, which I like to point out to the kids as another neat reading skill they can acquire--learn to read and write music and songs like this can be shared with and learned by strangers who have never met you or heard the song before.… (meer)

Illustrations- digital and mixed media

The cat made a nest to attack birds in order to make an omelet. Then 3 birds laid eggs and started fighting over the perfect nest. The cat tried to lure them away by telling them there was another nest at the farm. They left their eggs. They hatched and then the cat ended up having to take care of them. He realized he did make the perfect nest.

I really enjoyed the pictures in this book. Some of them were really silly. I think it is a book that students would find entertaining and be a fun book to read/get into.… (meer)