Picture Book of the Day

Elizabeth Leads the Way by Tanya Lee Stone (Author) and Rebecca Gibbon (Illustrator) is the life story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, one of the leaders of the 19th century women’s rights movement.

What would you do
if someone told you
you can’t be what you want to be
because you are a girl?

Teach the traits of organization and conventions as students write about what they think needs to change.

Six Trait Author Programs and Classroom Writing Workshops

The Great Texas Hamster Drive by Eric A. Kimmel (Author) and Bruce Whatley (Illustrator) was inspired by a school visit! In this original tall tale, the daughter of Pecos Bill and Slue Foot Sue wants a pet…

“Here’s what I want,” said Sal. She showed everyone the picture of a little animal.

“It’s not a mouse, Daddy,” said Sal. It’s a hamster.”

Teach the traits of voice and conventions as students write about a pet they would like to own.

Six Trait Author Programs and Classroom Writing Workshops

In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck (Author) and Tricia Tusa (Illustrator) is a bedtime story.

“Time for bed,” Mama says,
“and I’ve brought flowers for your room.”
“I can only sleep in a blue room,” says Alice.
“Blue is my favorite.”

Teach the traits of conventions and word choice as students write about their favorite color.

Six Trait Author Programs and Classroom Writing Workshops

Toolbox Twins by Lola M. Schaefer (Author) and Melissa Iwai (Illustrator) follows Vincent and his Dad as they use their tools to fix things up around the house.

With levels and awls
they measure and mark…
frames on walls,
shelves in halls.

Teach the traits of conventions and word choice and as students write about working with tools.

This week’s Poetry Friday Round-up is hosted by The Miss Rumphius Effect.

Six Trait Author Programs and Classroom Writing Workshops

How Tiger Got His Stripes by Rod Cleveland (Author) and Baird Hoffmire (Illustrator) is a folktale from Vietnam.

Tiger was not afraid of my animal in the jungle, except Water Buffalo. Water Buffalo was big and strong. He had powerful horns on his head. One morning Tiger saw Water Buffalo hooked to a plow and made to work in the fields. Tiger was confused.

Teach the traits of conventions and organization as students write their own tiger stories.

Six Trait Author Programs and Classroom Writing Workshops

In Selvakumar Knew Better by Virginia Kroll (Author) and Xianojun Li (Illustrator) the family dog knows a tsumani is coming, but no one in the family realizes it.

But Selvakumar knew better. The vibrations traveled up his padded paws. His skin prickled with fearful goosebumps from his black nose to his tufted tail.

Teach the traits of conventions and word choice as students write their own pet stories.

Six Trait Author Programs and Classroom Writing Workshops

In No! That’s Wrong! by Zhaohua Ji and Cui Xu, bright red underwear blows off the washline and lands on Rabbit’s head.

It’s a hat!
No, that’s wrong. It’s not a hat.

Teach the traits of ideas and conventions as students write about using something is a different way.

Six Trait Author Programs and Classroom Writing Workshops

The Apple Doll by Elisa Kleven is a starting school, making new friends, and craft story (with two pages of instructions in the back of the book.)

Lizzy loved her apple tree.

Teach the traits of ideas and conventions as students write about a favorite toy.

Six Trait Author Programs and Classroom Writing Workshops

In Sydney’s Star by Peter H. Reynolds, Sydney is a inventor.

One night a bright star caught her attention. It sparkled gold and silver. Sydney wished she could reach out and touch it, but she knew it was millions of miles away.”

Teach the traits of conventions and ideas as students write their own “inventions” stories.

Six Trait Author Programs and Classroom Writing Workshops

Good Enough To Eat by Brock Cole begins…

Once there was a poor girl with no mama and no papa and nothing at all, not even a name. So some called her Scraps-and-Smells, and some called her Skin-and-Bones, and some called her Sweets-and-Treats, for that is how she earned her living–selling stale buns and paper birds in the market.

Teach the traits of conventions and voice as students write their own “ogre” stories.

Six Trait Author Programs and Classroom Writing Workshops