This book contains a greeting game that can send your students into a whirlwind of imagination. Vivian is hungry and tired of waiting for her pizza to arrive. “Where, oh where is that pizza man?” she wonders. When he arrives, she plans to say, “Hi, Pizza Man!” But to pass the time while they’re waiting for the pizza, Mama asks, what if a dinosaur knocks on the door? What will Vivian say then?
Funny
Nowadays, both teachers and children are often concerned–even overwhelmed–with serious issues. So, from time to time a laughter break can help liven up the school day and lighten everyone’s load. The titles reviewed here are guaranteed to tickle the funny bone.
Airmail to the Moon
Ore Mae Cotton of Crabapple Orchard loses a tooth and searches for the “no good varmint” who stole it.
Alphabet from Z to A (with Much Confusion Along the Way)
There is lots of confusion in the English language. Some words sound alike but are not spelled alike. Some letters have no sound at all. This vocabulary builder reminds us that humor can be found even in an English lesson!
Bark, George
“Bark,” instructs George’s mother, but he responds, “Meow!” The problem is, George is a dog. So his mother repeats, “Bark.” But George responds, “Quack-quack.” Finally, George has to go to the vet, where he learns to bark. (But there’s still a surprise ending.)
Dirt on My Shirt
In this hilarious collection of poems, comedian Jeff Foxworthy creates a neighborhood filled with fun, family, friends, and more. Here you’ll meet Cousin Lizzy, Uncle Ed and Aunt Foo Foo, cows with horns that don’t go beep, dads in sweaters, also sheep. From the thrill of flying to the imaginary planet Woosocket to bonding with a friend over a shared hatred of spinach, these poems capture the very essence of being a kid. Filled with sly humor and always affectionate, Dirt on My Shirt is sure to delight kids, big and little, everywhere.
Don’t Fidget a Feather!
Here’s the ultimate book on competition! Duck and Gander challenge one another to see who can freeze in place the longest. Nothing makes them move, not even Fox who stuffs them into a bag and takes them home for dinner.
Don’t Make Me Laugh
Mr. Frimdimpny, an alligator, has made up some unusual rules. Rule #1, “Do Not Laugh!” is followed by Rule #2, “Do Not Even Smile.” If a reader breaks a rule, he or she must go back to the front of the book and begin reading again. Just try not to chuckle.
Horton Hears a Who!
You just saw the movie in theaters, now take the original book home. Surely among the most lovable of all Dr. Seuss creations, Horton the Elephant represents kindness, trustworthiness, and perseverance–all wrapped up, thank goodness, in a comical and even absurd package. Horton hears a cry for help from a speck of dust, and spends much of the book trying to protect the infinitesimal creatures who live on it from the derision and trickery of other animals, who think their elephant friend has gone quite nutty. But worse is in store: an eagle carries away the clover in which Horton has placed the life-bearing speck, and “let that small clover drop somewhere inside / of a great patch of clovers a hundred miles wide!” Horton wins in the end, after persuading the “Who’s” to make as much noise as possible and prove their existence. This classic is not only fun, but a great way to introduce thoughtful children to essentially philosophical questions. How, after all, are we so sure there aren’t invisible civilizations floating by on every mote? — Richard Farr








