The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School by Laurie Halse Anderson

Zoe Fleefenbacher has wild, wonderful, magnificent hair that has a mind of it’s own. It can be quite helpful, especially when it opens cookie jars, turns on the TV and pours a glass of juice… all at the same time! Everyone has always loved Zoe’s hair. But now that Zoe is in first grade, things are about to change. Her teacher Ms. Trisk states, “School has rules. No wild hair in my class.” Zoe manages to tame her hair by using scrunchies, barrettes, rubber bands and even duct tape. But one day Ms. Trisk’s science lesson goes awry and Zoe’s amazing hair is suddenly needed. Does Zoe’s hair come to the rescue? Will Zoe’s hair be allowed to flow free in first grade? This is a fun picture book by award-winning author Laurie Halse Anderson.

Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta

Hospitals, libraries, bifocals, Daylight Savings Time, lightning rods, odometers, swimming flippers! These are just some of the institutions and innovations created by Benjamin Franklin. Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta, is a clever picture book where readers are introduced to many of Benjamin Franklin’s inventions that are still in use today. Each page is either titled "Now" to show how we use the invention in the present or "Ben" for how Franklin’s invention was originally used. For example, Now…every automobile has an odometer to measure the distance it travels. Ben…invented the odometer when he was postmaster general so he could measure his postal routes. With lively, colorful cartoon illustrations, this title both entertains and educates and leaves the reader wondering how Franklin’s inventions will influence the future. What a great book to inspire the inventor in all of us!

Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowery

Gooney Bird Greene arrives for her first day at Watertower Elementary School wearing p.j.’s and cowboy boots. Everything about Gooney is unusual – her clothes, her hairstyles and even her lunches. Upon her arrival, she quickly announces to her teacher, "I want a desk right smack in the middle of the room because I like to be right smack in the middle of everything". Gooney loves to be the center of attention and loves to tell stories about her life. (all absolutely true, of course) Stories about how she got her name, how she came to Watertower on a flying carpet and how she directed a symphony orchestra. Gooney’s classmates can’t get enough of her stories and beg her to share a new story everyday. This is a great book to introduce storytelling to elementary students. Gooney’s creative stories may even inspire you to write your own amazing tale!

Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds

What do you do when the chickens are tired of their chicken feed? Feed them salsa, of course! Rooster comes up with this idea after seeing the farmer’s wife watch cooking shows. But now the ducks and the pigs are tired of their food. No need to worry. Just leave it up to the rooster to spice up their food too. However, one day all of the animal’s spicy ingredients disappear. Looks like the farmer and his wife need them to make tamales for the county fair. Is the fiesta over for the farm animals or will rooster come up with a new culinary idea? Chicks and Salsa is a rollicking tale with colorful illustrations that are a feast for the eyes. This picture book will leave you smiling!