My Hippo has the Hiccups: and Other Poems I Totally Made Up

Written by Kenn Nesbitt

Illustrated by Ethan Long

This collection of over one hundred poems on topics to which kids can relate is sure to make young readers laugh! I think this would be a great book to read aloud during those transitional times in the classroom or when everyone just needs a good laugh!

I laughed out loud at so many of the poems, but I think my favorite is "If I Were the Principal." Which one is your favorite? Try memorizing the poem and sharing it with your teacher, family, or friends.

Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine, & a Miracle

Written by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson, & Mary Nethery

One day during an expedition with his Marine troop, Major Brian Dennis stumbled upon a stray dog. The dog was extremely cautious around the men. Major Dennis called him Nubs because his ears had been cut very short (in an effort to make him a good dog of war.) Although Nubs belonged to no one, he quickly warmed up to Major Dennis and started following him to all of his duties. When the troops moved to other locations, Nubs followed. In fact, he even followed the men to their headquarters 70 miles away! Even though it was against the rules for Marines to have pets, the men had no choice but to keep Nubs around since he was determined to follow them everywhere. One day, soldiers from another unit reported Major Dennis for having a dog. He promptly received orders to get rid of Nubs. That night, he talked with his teammates and they decided to figure out a way for Nubs to be sent to America. Major Dennis didn't want Nubs to suffer anymore in Iraq so he began emailing friends and family to help him find a way to get Nubs to the United States.

Why do you think the other soldiers reported Major Dennis for having a dog? Do you think it should be against the rules for soldiers to have pets?

How Oliver Olson Changed the World

Written by Claudia Mills

Illustrated by Heather Maione

Oliver Olson isn't sure that he can change the world at all. In fact, he's not even sure he can change his parents' minds about them doing his homework, projects, and even tying his shoes for him! When he gets the assignment to create a diorama of the solar system, he knows that his parents will go overboard as always. Crystal, one of his classmates, is very upset when she learns that Pluto is no longer considered a planet. She persuades Oliver to work on the diorama with her, but he's not sure his parents will be able to handle not being in control of the project. Once he finally convinces them that it will be okay, he and Crystal devise a plan to speak up for Pluto and include it in their diorama. What will Oliver's parents think about all of this?!

Scientists decided that Pluto should no longer be considered a planet because it is too small. They have discovered other bodies that revolve around the sun and are larger than Pluto but are not considered planets. Crystal and Oliver were very mad about this recent change in science facts. Do you think Pluto should still be considered a planet? Why or why not?

Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival

Written by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery
Illustrated by Jean Cassels

Bobbi the dog and Bob Cat lived in New Orleans. During August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused a tremendous amount of damage to the city. Officials warned people to evacuate and many did, but they were not allowed to take their pets. After 110-mile-per-hour winds and an enormous amount of rain, many families lost their homes and all of their belongings. Although Bobbi and Bob Cat were left behind, they figured out a way to work together for survival. Bobbi had a chain attached to his collar and Bob Cat learned to follow it. The two set out to find food and their owners. Luckily, they were finally able to find humans who took them to the safety of the Best Friends Animal Society where they were examined and cared for until their owners could be found or they could be placed with a new family.

Like New Orleans, we have experienced many hurricanes in Houston, Texas. If you and your family had to evacuate for a natural disaster and you were only allowed to take 5 items with you (not counting food, clothing, or medical supplies,) what would you take? Why?