Thanks to First Book, my students received a copy of Junie B. Jones Smells Something Fishy. We read the book aloud before they took it home. Junie B. is disappointed that she can’t bring her dog, Tickles, to the class pet fair. Sure, she can bring a photo, but her friends are bringing real animals–birds, frogs, things in cages. Julie B. needs a quick, small pet.
As we read, we composed a list of names for a pet earthworm. Worm Washington topped the list. No, this does not give way the ending.
Every kid had a pet story to share. As I listened, I thought of Gwendolyn Hooks’ easy reader series, Pet Club.
Next week they’ll read The Pet Club stories on their own or with a partner.
Sharon Edge Martin is a reading specialist, poet, and writer whose work has appeared in such magazines as Family Circle, Oklahoma Today, Outside, True West and in Michael Bugeja’s The Art and Craft of Poetry. She writes a weekly essay for Oklahoma Observer and is a frequent reader in Oklahoma’s spoken poetry scene. Her first picture book is Froggy Bottom Blues (2017). Her first full length book of poetry is Not a Prodigal (2018). When she isn't teaching poetry workshops or presenting at schools, you'll find her on the farm with her artist husband, a dog, two cats, and a couple dozen chickens.
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