Lois G. Grambling

More than anything else, Bella the witch longed to become a princess. Unfortunately for her, witches were an endangered species, and the Grand Wizard had forbidden them from transforming themselves into royal personages. Deciding that she would have to solve the problem the old-fashioned way, she scanned the personal ads, finding an announcement about the Prince of Styne, who was looking for a bride...

An entertaining and ultimately heartwarming look at a common girlhood desire, The Witch Who show more Wanted to Be a Princess pairs an engaging text from author Lois G. Grambling with appealing and vividly colorful illustrations from artist Judy Love. I really appreciated the sense of humor here, and the way that Love's artwork accentuated that humor. I also liked the idea of being yourself that is worked into the story, and the way that Bella decides against "fixing" her appearance. Recommended to anyone who appreciates amusing and quirky fairy-tales, or unusual witchy stories. show less

My five year old son Sammy (who can read very well) actually picked this book out and I thought I would take a quick look.
It is so gosh darn cute!
The little T. Rex tries to think of how to show his mother that he loves her for Mother's Day and doesn't understand her little hint that the best gift is a hug. Instead, this little guy tries to impress his mother but creates absolute havoc with his gifts. His latest "gift" is hilarious and mortifying.
Thankfully, mama rex can see the love behind show more the gesture and little T. Rex finally understands that the best gift any child can give his/her mom IS a hug for Mother's Day.
I really connected with this book because my little Sammy is very curious and does create havoc all the time. I also completely agree (and always tell my kids) that the best gift they can give me is a hug and I love you. Definitely see if you can find this one to read to your little one for Mother's Day. show less

This high-energy picture book written by Lois G. Grambling and illustrated by Judy Love, is engaging! The narrator, a young boy, arrives at school one morning while holding hands with a giant Pterodactyl. On the first page, he asks "Can I bring my Pterodactyl to school, Ms. Johnson? Can I? Please?" This phrase is repeated every couple of pages after the boy describes a scenario in which an everyday problem could be solved and life much improved if only his Pterodactyl were there with him. show more The first scenario describes a bully, Butch McGurgle (funny name!), threatening to beat him up if he doesn't give him dessert at lunchtime. The illustrations are absolutely great; the Pterodactyl's facial expressions show emotion that fits each situation. One of my favorite illustrations is one with Butch hanging from the Pterodactyl's beak high above the playground as children shade their eyes and look upward. My favorite scenario is when the narrator tries to persuade Ms. Johnson to allow the visit from the Pterodactyl because he'd flap his wings and act like a giant fan to combat the smell of the hot and stinky classroom before summer break. The author uses onomatopoeia with words like "kerplunk," which makes the story fun. I especially appreciate the circular nature of the story, from the first page request for the teacher to allow a Pterodactyl visit, to the last page in which the narrator asks "Can I bring my Woolly Mammoth to school, Ms. Johnson? Can I? PLEASE!?" Students will laugh and talk about what adventures might follow if a Woolly Mammoth were at school. I think most kids from kindergarten through fourth grade would appreciate this modern fantasy picture book. "Dinosaur fans will enjoy the wild scenarios that give the kid wings, power, and fun." (Booklist) show less

I originally bought this book for my six-year-old son (he's now 23) because he loved dinosaurs as a little boy. As I read this book to him, however, as an English teacher I realized that Grambling had written the perfect model for a persuasive essay! I used this book many many times with my high school students to model a multi-paragraph essay with examples, details, transitions, and recognition of the opposing point of view.

Here are some examples:

reasons--i could sleep with him at night and show more wouldn't be afraid of the dark; he could eat my vegetables at dinner so that i could have dessert; I'd be safe trick-or-treating on Halloween and you and dad wouldn't have to go with me.

transitions: another reason, the most important reason.

opposing POV: my plate would be sparkling clean and you would be happy; you'd feel better if I were safe; if I left something off my Christmas list, I could go to the north pole while you stayed home relaxing.

I would have my students map the story, looking for thesis statement, topic sentences, reasons, examples, and details. As far as they told me, they never felt babied but saw the activity as something fun and low-anxiety that would allow them to analyze a persuasive essay on a silly topic so that they could focus on form of the essay first.

Although this book could certainly be used for middle school students, I think it is safer to use a "baby" book with older teens who would have no doubt that they weren't being talked down to. show less