Llama Llama Misses Mama (Primary Series)

Dewdney, A. (2009). Llama llama misses mama. New York, NY: Penguin Young Readers Group.

Summary: In this book Llama Llama goes to his first day of school. As the book goes through Llama’s morning routine, the story features a catchy rhyme that youngsters will certainly enjoy. Once Llama arrives at school and realizes that Mama Llama will not be staying with him, he begins to withdraw from all activities, feeling very, very alone. In time he begins to realize how much fun school can be, and, of course, that Mama Llama will come to pick him up at the end of the day. This book would be perfect for those students who have the beginning-of-the-year jitters.

Read-Alike: If you enjoyed this book, check out other books in the series, including Llama Llama Red Pajama and Llama Llama Mad at Mama.

Discussion Questions:
1. Explain something you were worried about as you got ready for school today.
2. What was the best part of your day?

For more information about the author, check out www.annadewdney.com.

Maze of Bones

Riordan, R. (2008). The maze of bones. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Summary: At their grandmother’s funeral Dan and Amy Cahill discover they are members of one of the most powerful families in the world. Now they face a decision: compete against other members of the family to search the world for the 39 clues that will unlock the family’s fortune, or, walk away with a cool million each. Of course the orphans elect to join the race. There wouldn’t be much of a story if they hadn’t. Realizing early on that they can trust no one, the brother and sister duo navigate their way through a whole slew of harrowing adventures. Maze of Bones is the first of what will eventually be 10 books in a series, and, as the first book out of the gate, it does exactly what it’s supposed to: whet the reader’s appetite just enough so he wants to come back for more.

Read-Alike: If you enjoyed Maze of Bones, check out the other books in the 39 Clues series, One False Note, The Sword Thief, Beyond the Grave, and The Black Circle.

Discussion Questions:
1. Dan and Amy had a choice to make. Which option would you choose? Why? Why do you think they chose the option that they did?
2. Like many brothers and sisters, Dan and Amy have their share of conflicts. Explain how the two of them work well together.

For more information about the author, check out www.rickriordan.com or www.the39clues.com.