Life's Little Lessons is a delightful and humorous story about a caterpillar named Cyrano and his misadventures. In school he struggles, at times he gives up, until one day he discovers that he and only he is in charge of his own happiness. Children, will easily identify with Cyrano, his feelings and his flight, as they learn that although life has its twists and turns, ups and downs, if we face it with our chin up we can accomplish anything. This inspirational story as told by Joanne Scaglione and Gail Small is beautifully enhanced by the whimsical and heart-felt illustrations of David Endelman. A bonus, companion guide outlines for parents and teachers how to inspire children to read, make reading fun and ensure that reading is an integral part of daily life. Developed by the author-educators, it gives strategies and ideas on how to use this wonderful piece of children's literature as a tool to teach young children not only words, but before they even read, the meaning of what they read. This step-by-step guide is filled with questions, vocabulary, discussion topics and activities that develop language, comprehension and thinking skills in young children.

A true, heart-warming story told in 'catchy' rhyme, this book offers strategies and ideas on how to use children's literature as a tool to teach young children not only words, but also the meaning of what they read. This step-by-step guide is filled with questions, vocabulary, discussion topics, and activities that develop language, comprehension and thinking skills in children from ages 2 to 8. A bonus companion guide outlines for parents and teachers how to inspire children to read, make reading fun, and ensure that reading is an integral part of daily life. The Big Squeal makes for a meaningful and entertaining reading experience for all. It provides for parents the unique opportunity to make the home the most important classroom for their young pre-school children; for teachers: an exciting tool to teaching literature and reading skills to school-age children and for children: a chance to experience the joy of reading. The Big Squeal is a great addition to any family, school or library. The playfully illustrated and joyfully written children's story in this book is an inspiring, delightful read for any child.

This book documents the real-life story of Kendra Yoshinaga, a young speller who won her first qualifying bee at the young age of nine. Now only twelve years old, she prepared for her third bee and returned to Washington, DC where she tied for 14th in the 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee! Gail Small taught Kendra for first, second, and third grades. Together they share a love of learning and discovery, and the challenges of new ideas. This book describes the spelling bee experiences from a youth's viewpoint. Young readers can delight in the world of spelling so it becomes a natural and exciting part of their lives. "Secrets" of a teacher, coach, and parent reveal proven tactics to foster a confident speller. These distinctive methods will inspire a love for spelling and language in lessons that go far beyond everyday practice. Launch your students on an inspiring quest for knowledge-the words will jump off the pages as the illustrations enliven the story. This book will help them to enjoy the wonders of spelling bees along with the inside moments that only those at the bee have previously experienced. A detailed spelling guide is included for parents, coaches, and teachers of spellers at all ages.