Animal Lovers
LI861XJ Cluster #2
Newbery Award 2013
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Ivan is the only gorilla at a local circus themed mall, friend to elephants and stray dogs, and famous finger painting artist, but life is lonely when you are the only gorilla you know. It is up to Ivan to find a way to save himself and his friends before it's too late.
AR Level: 3.6
Ivan is the only gorilla at a local circus themed mall, friend to elephants and stray dogs, and famous finger painting artist, but life is lonely when you are the only gorilla you know. It is up to Ivan to find a way to save himself and his friends before it's too late.
AR Level: 3.6
Fiction
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate diCamillo
A 2001 Newberry Honor book. India Opal Buloni is the new girl in town when she meets the sneezy, ragged, good hearted Winn Dixie who is also looking for a friend in Naomi. Working together, the pair bring together young and old, wealthy and poor, to prove that everyone loves a dog and everyone needs a friend.
AR Level: 3.9
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
In her author's note, Applegate acknowledges this animal tale as one of her favorites and a reason for her love of animal fiction. The beloved classic tells the story of Zuckerman's famous pig, Fern the girl who loves him, and Charlotte the spider who through her creative acrobatics saves Wilbur's bacon.
AR Level 4.4
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Fifth grader, Jackson, and his family are poor, often don't have enough to eat, and are facing being homeless (again). Crenshaw appears first as a surf boarding cat and throughout the book in situations when Jackson needs him the most. A story of friendship, growing up, and believing in something you cannot see, Crenshaw brings a message of hope.
AR Level: 3.8
How to Speak Dolphin by Ginny Rorby
Lily's brother Adam is profoundly autistic and is happiest when he is watching dolphin movies, hearing dolphin sounds, or snuggling his stuffed dolphin. When Lily's stepfather decides that dolphin therapy with Nori at a local aquarium will be the thing to help Adam communicate, Lily meets Zoe, a girl who is blind. Together they struggle to decide if human happiness at the expense of the captive dolphin is right, wrong, or somewhere in between.
AR Level 4.7
Into the Wild by Erin Hunter
First in the Warriors series, the cats of the Thunderclan, Shadowclan, Windclan, and Riverclan compete for hunting ground as they train up a new generation of warriors. Rusty the house cat is looking to reinvent himself and transforms himself into Fireheart proving that he can be a fierce hunter, respected leader, and loyal member of Thunderclan.
AR Level: 5.6
Kaspar the Titanic Cat by Michael Morpurgo
Part animal fantasy, part historical fiction. Countess Kandisky's cat, Kaspar, comes to stay at London's Savoy hotel and is the responsibility of Bell Boy, Johnny Trot. When the countess dies, Johnny and Kaspar stow away on the ill fated Titanic. After making it safely into a lifeboat and to New York, they begin a new life in America.
AR Level: 5.3
Malcolm at Midnight by W.H. Beck
The winner of the 2015 William Allen White award, this animal fantasy follows Malcolm, a classroom pet rat on his adventures through McKenna School. He meets other classroom pets who mistake him for a mouse (which works in his favor) and joins their secret Midnight Society to keep the nutters (students) out of trouble and eat the crumbs of leftover lunches in this tale of adventure and mystery.
The audio version of this book is narrated by Charlotte Parry is 5 hours and 46 minutes long. Parry reads as both narrator and in the voices of the various classroom pets.
AR Level: 3.8
A 2001 Newberry Honor book. India Opal Buloni is the new girl in town when she meets the sneezy, ragged, good hearted Winn Dixie who is also looking for a friend in Naomi. Working together, the pair bring together young and old, wealthy and poor, to prove that everyone loves a dog and everyone needs a friend.
AR Level: 3.9
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
In her author's note, Applegate acknowledges this animal tale as one of her favorites and a reason for her love of animal fiction. The beloved classic tells the story of Zuckerman's famous pig, Fern the girl who loves him, and Charlotte the spider who through her creative acrobatics saves Wilbur's bacon.
AR Level 4.4
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Fifth grader, Jackson, and his family are poor, often don't have enough to eat, and are facing being homeless (again). Crenshaw appears first as a surf boarding cat and throughout the book in situations when Jackson needs him the most. A story of friendship, growing up, and believing in something you cannot see, Crenshaw brings a message of hope.
AR Level: 3.8
How to Speak Dolphin by Ginny Rorby
Lily's brother Adam is profoundly autistic and is happiest when he is watching dolphin movies, hearing dolphin sounds, or snuggling his stuffed dolphin. When Lily's stepfather decides that dolphin therapy with Nori at a local aquarium will be the thing to help Adam communicate, Lily meets Zoe, a girl who is blind. Together they struggle to decide if human happiness at the expense of the captive dolphin is right, wrong, or somewhere in between.
AR Level 4.7
Into the Wild by Erin Hunter
First in the Warriors series, the cats of the Thunderclan, Shadowclan, Windclan, and Riverclan compete for hunting ground as they train up a new generation of warriors. Rusty the house cat is looking to reinvent himself and transforms himself into Fireheart proving that he can be a fierce hunter, respected leader, and loyal member of Thunderclan.
AR Level: 5.6
Kaspar the Titanic Cat by Michael Morpurgo
Part animal fantasy, part historical fiction. Countess Kandisky's cat, Kaspar, comes to stay at London's Savoy hotel and is the responsibility of Bell Boy, Johnny Trot. When the countess dies, Johnny and Kaspar stow away on the ill fated Titanic. After making it safely into a lifeboat and to New York, they begin a new life in America.
AR Level: 5.3
Malcolm at Midnight by W.H. Beck
The winner of the 2015 William Allen White award, this animal fantasy follows Malcolm, a classroom pet rat on his adventures through McKenna School. He meets other classroom pets who mistake him for a mouse (which works in his favor) and joins their secret Midnight Society to keep the nutters (students) out of trouble and eat the crumbs of leftover lunches in this tale of adventure and mystery.
The audio version of this book is narrated by Charlotte Parry is 5 hours and 46 minutes long. Parry reads as both narrator and in the voices of the various classroom pets.
AR Level: 3.8
Non-Fiction
The Animal Book: A Collection of the Fastest, Fiercest, Toughest, Cleverest, Shyest - and Most Surprising - Animals on Earth by Steven Jenkins
Includes Table of Contents, Glossary, and a Bibliography with sections devoted to Animals!, Family, Animal Senses, Predators, Defenses, Animal Extremes, and The Story of Life. The illustrations are done in Jenkins' signature cut paper style and are accompanied by detailed captions. The More Animal Facts section contains length, weight, habit, and diet of more than 230 animals and serves as the index.
Includes Table of Contents, Glossary, and a Bibliography with sections devoted to Animals!, Family, Animal Senses, Predators, Defenses, Animal Extremes, and The Story of Life. The illustrations are done in Jenkins' signature cut paper style and are accompanied by detailed captions. The More Animal Facts section contains length, weight, habit, and diet of more than 230 animals and serves as the index.
Biography
Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell
Jane Goodall loved being outside, observing, reading and studying nature. After reading Tarzan of the Apes about another girl named Jane, she dreamed of living in Africa to live with and study the animals. This picture book tells her story with pictures reminiscent of McDonnell's comic strip characters from Mutts. Illustrations are done in soft earth tone colors. Caldecott Honor Book.
AR Level: 3.2
Who Was Jacques Cousteau? by Nico Medina and Dede Putra
One of many books in the Who Was/Who Is series, this book introduces readers to the life of famous French marine biologist, Jacques Cousteau. Includes black and white illustrations.
AR Level: 5.9
Jane Goodall loved being outside, observing, reading and studying nature. After reading Tarzan of the Apes about another girl named Jane, she dreamed of living in Africa to live with and study the animals. This picture book tells her story with pictures reminiscent of McDonnell's comic strip characters from Mutts. Illustrations are done in soft earth tone colors. Caldecott Honor Book.
AR Level: 3.2
Who Was Jacques Cousteau? by Nico Medina and Dede Putra
One of many books in the Who Was/Who Is series, this book introduces readers to the life of famous French marine biologist, Jacques Cousteau. Includes black and white illustrations.
AR Level: 5.9
Memoir
My Life with the Chimpanzees by Jane Goodall
Goodall recounts her life in the jungle of Tanzania living with and studying Chimpanzees. She discusses the importance of wildlife conservation and the work of the Jane Goodall Institute. Many black and white photographs are included.
AR Level: 6.1
Goodall recounts her life in the jungle of Tanzania living with and studying Chimpanzees. She discusses the importance of wildlife conservation and the work of the Jane Goodall Institute. Many black and white photographs are included.
AR Level: 6.1
Graphic Novels
First in Space by James Vining
This graphic novel is told through the eyes of Ham, a chimpanzee trained for the first sub-orbital flight. The illustrations are done as black and white cartoons. According to reviews, the novel was well researched, but may be biased as it strongly suggests that NASA has a history of cruelty to animals.
This graphic novel is told through the eyes of Ham, a chimpanzee trained for the first sub-orbital flight. The illustrations are done as black and white cartoons. According to reviews, the novel was well researched, but may be biased as it strongly suggests that NASA has a history of cruelty to animals.
Films
Disneynature: Bears (2014)
The story of a mama bear and her two cubs as they make their way from their home high in the snowy Alaskan mountains down to the abundant salmon stream by summer. Narrated by John C. Reilly. The bears encounter predators and dangers. Rated G.
Disneynature: Earth (2009)
The first of the Disneynature films, narrated by James Earl Jones, it explores animal life in the ocean, Antarctica, and the jungle. Footage is from the BBC Planet Earth series, but repackaged in a shorter version. Some scenes may be scary for young children. Rated G.
The story of a mama bear and her two cubs as they make their way from their home high in the snowy Alaskan mountains down to the abundant salmon stream by summer. Narrated by John C. Reilly. The bears encounter predators and dangers. Rated G.
Disneynature: Earth (2009)
The first of the Disneynature films, narrated by James Earl Jones, it explores animal life in the ocean, Antarctica, and the jungle. Footage is from the BBC Planet Earth series, but repackaged in a shorter version. Some scenes may be scary for young children. Rated G.
Television
Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures: On Safari with Jack
Available from Amazon to watch (Prime), rent, or buy these episodes of the long running television series show Jack on safari in Kenya and Uganda interacting with cheetahs, lions, ostriches, and elephants.
Available from Amazon to watch (Prime), rent, or buy these episodes of the long running television series show Jack on safari in Kenya and Uganda interacting with cheetahs, lions, ostriches, and elephants.
Music
Animal Playground by Putumayo Presents
Contains 13 animal songs such as Animal Crackers, Don't Ever Step on a Snake, Aves, and Mbube, performed by musicians from around the world including Brazil, France, Italy, Honduras, South Africa, Canada, Trinidad, and the United States.
Contains 13 animal songs such as Animal Crackers, Don't Ever Step on a Snake, Aves, and Mbube, performed by musicians from around the world including Brazil, France, Italy, Honduras, South Africa, Canada, Trinidad, and the United States.
Collection
Animal Stories: Heartwarming True Tales From the Animal Kingdom by Jane Yolen
A National Geographic Kids book, some stories include The Sled Dog Who Helped Save the Children of Nome, Christian the Lion, Hoover the Talking Seal, and Owen & Mzee: An Unlikely Pair. Contains a map showing where the stories took place, a time line, cast of characters with real black and white and colored photographs, resources, and an index.
A National Geographic Kids book, some stories include The Sled Dog Who Helped Save the Children of Nome, Christian the Lion, Hoover the Talking Seal, and Owen & Mzee: An Unlikely Pair. Contains a map showing where the stories took place, a time line, cast of characters with real black and white and colored photographs, resources, and an index.
Poetry
Animal Poems by Valerie Worth illustrated by Steve Jenkins
A collection of 23 free verse poems about creatures big (elephant) and small (cockroach), fast (hummingbird) and slow (snail), aquatic (jelly fish), flying (bat), and slithering (snake). Illustrated with cut paper artwork.
A collection of 23 free verse poems about creatures big (elephant) and small (cockroach), fast (hummingbird) and slow (snail), aquatic (jelly fish), flying (bat), and slithering (snake). Illustrated with cut paper artwork.
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal 2014
Parrots Over Puerto Rico by Susan L. Roth
On the 2015 - 2016 William Allen White list, this nonfiction picture book gives the history of the Puerto Rican parrots as well as the circumstances that led to their decline and the conservation efforts for this endangered species. Illustrations are done with cut paper and the book reads vertically instead of horizontally. A time line of events is included as well as photographs of conservation efforts.
AR Level: 5.7
On the 2015 - 2016 William Allen White list, this nonfiction picture book gives the history of the Puerto Rican parrots as well as the circumstances that led to their decline and the conservation efforts for this endangered species. Illustrations are done with cut paper and the book reads vertically instead of horizontally. A time line of events is included as well as photographs of conservation efforts.
AR Level: 5.7
About Kristina Scott
This page was designed for Integrated Advisory LI861XJ at Emporia State University.
Titles in bold are books I have personally read, listened to, or viewed.
Fall 2015
Titles in bold are books I have personally read, listened to, or viewed.
Fall 2015
Email: kscott9@g.emporia.edu