Overview

Playing on the phrase, the author and you which is a commonly taught reading comprehension strategy that teaches the learner how to look at the words of an author and make inferences about what is being said, this new series will assist the teacher and teacher librarian in understanding the underlying purposes of the author as they prepare learning activities for their students. The series that will focus primarily on books for the elementary age child (K-6) will feature insights into the author's background, purposes and goals in writing his books. By furnishing an overview of the author's works, the books in the series will give teachers the big picture. Each book will feature personal information about the author, including insight into why he writes the type of books he does plus lesson plans and/or activities for each of the author's books featured. These lessons will stress the particular interest of the author and the author and you (the teacher) will build a collaborative instructional relationship using the material provided. Each book will be written by the featured author or in close collaboration with him. The first book in the series features the life and work of Gerald McDermott, Caldecott winning picture book author. It discusses his life and work and the researching, writing, and illustrating of each book. Discussion of children's reading development, including strategies and visual literacies, and lesson plans and activities for each title provide practical help. This book provides a fascinating window into the life and work of the beloved children's author and gives insight into Anansi, Arrow to the Sun, Raven, Creation and all of his wonderful tales. Grades K-6.

Full Product Details

9781591581758

Table of Contents

Reviews

Every child deserves to be exposed to the many wonderful works of Gerald McDermott. Slott is the first author in a series published by Libraries Unlimited to cover the important works of remarkable authors and illustrators...Highly recommended for those who want to aquaint students with both the author and a particular work in depth. - Teacher Librarian [T]his book provides children and teachers with an introduction to Gerald McDermott's picture books and gives some background information on McDermott's life and career. The book also features lesson plans and activities tied to McDermott's books. - Children's Literature Association Quarterly This intensive yet completely approachable look at McDermott's work is an excellent teaching tool. Eleven stories are discussed and include a synopsis, comparisons of characters and themes, and an explanation from the author/illustrator discussing his inspiration and creative process. Exercises that are appropriate for kindergarten through grade six follow. All ask questions that readers can answer by looking at the artist's use of color, shape, size, and ethnic influences. Next, an array of activities highlights the literature, language arts, and social studies connections to each of the books...[a]n impressive compilation and a useful one for classrooms that study authors and their influences intently. In fact, this volume may provide more study opportunities than most teachers can possibly use - School Library Journal

Every child deserves to be exposed to the many wonderful works of Gerald McDermott. Slott is the first author in a series published by Libraries Unlimited to cover the important works of remarkable authors and illustrators….Highly recommended for those who want to aquaint students with both the author and a particular work in depth. * Teacher Librarian * [T]his book provides children and teachers with an introduction to Gerald McDermott's picture books and gives some background information on McDermott's life and career. The book also features lesson plans and activities tied to McDermott's books. * Children's Literature Association Quarterly * This intensive yet completely approachable look at McDermott's work is an excellent teaching tool. Eleven stories are discussed and include a synopsis, comparisons of characters and themes, and an explanation from the author/illustrator discussing his inspiration and creative process. Exercises that are appropriate for kindergarten through grade six follow. All ask questions that readers can answer by looking at the artist's use of color, shape, size, and ethnic influences. Next, an array of activities highlights the literature, language arts, and social studies connections to each of the books….[a]n impressive compilation and a useful one for classrooms that study authors and their influences intently. In fact, this volume may provide more study opportunities than most teachers can possibly use * School Library Journal *

This intensive yet completely approachable look at McDermott's work is an excellent teaching tool. Eleven stories are discussed and include a synopsis, comparisons of characters and themes, and an explanation from the author/illustrator discussing his inspiration and creative process. Exercises that are appropriate for kindergarten through grade six follow. All ask questions that readers can answer by looking at the artist's use of color, shape, size, and ethnic influences. Next, an array of activities highlights the literature, language arts, and social studies connections to each of the books....[a]n impressive compilation and a useful one for classrooms that study authors and their influences intently. In fact, this volume may provide more study opportunities than most teachers can possibly use -School Library Journal

Author Information

JON C. STOTT is Professor Emeritus Children's Literature, University of Alberta, Canada. Dr. Stott is a long-time friend and student of Gerald McDermott's work. GERALD MCDERMOTT is a picture book author, winner of the Caldecott award, and a fellow of the Joseph Campbell Foundation.

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