Martin Matje (1962–2004)

There are several reasons I liked this book about when it snows. The first reason is because of the plot. The book is not just about what kids like to do when it snows, but what the animals do when it snows. "'I wear a new coat," says the stoat, "a king from head to toe." White winter fur when it starts to snow. "I follow the turtle," says the frog. "Down into the mud I go." Peep, peep, peep when it starts to snow.'" As children read this book they gain knowledge of what many different show more animals do in winter when it snows. The next thing I liked about this book were the illustrations. The illustrations on each page matched the animal that the book was describing. This helps to give the children a visual representation of the animal the book is talking about if they don't already know what it is. Lastly, I liked the language/ writing. The text was descriptive and engaging as I read about what different animals do when it snows. In addition, the text repeated itself a few times asking the questions "What if it starts to snow? What do you do? Where do you go?" This not only keeps the readers engaged but also reminds them of what the animals are talking about as they tell you what they do when it snows. All in all, I feel that the 'big idea' of this story is to learn about what all the different animals do when it snows. Not all animals play in the snow like we do, some hibernate, some fly south, and others stay indoors (ex: cats). We are lucky to be able to play, and have fun in the snow! show less

The theme of a "fish out of water" is fairly prominent in "A Pig Named Perrier." Perrier, a pig who belongs to a famous movie star, lives the good live but feels as if something is missing. Never knowing what it is like to be a real dirty pig, he learns that life isn't necessarily better being squeaky clean. This book addresses the topic of different cultures, and the notion of staying true to your inner self. This book would be useful in a setting where several cultures and backgrounds are show more present. show less

This is the fourth ink drinker book, but this one has a different twist. Instead of the children drinking a story, the story drinks them and they become Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf and are trapped in the story. I enjoyed this story as much as the first one.

This book is about what different animals do in the winter. It shares that some go find homes for the winter, while others get new fur coats.
This book could be for any child from 5-8 because it teaches about animals and could still keep the attention of the older children.
I like this book because it teaches kids about what all different kinds of animals do in the winter time to stay warm. Along with being educational, it is also very fun!