Some favorite read-alouds in my first grade classroom are Lizzie and Lizzie in Grade One by Shirley Brubacher, The Boxcar Children, Little House in the Big Woods, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlotte’s Web, The Middle Sister by Miriam Mason, Shagbark Hickory, and The Courage of Sarah Noble. Water Buffalo Days by Quang Nhuong Huynh is always a favorite among students. Set in Vietnam, the author tells of his growing up years with his pet water buffalo.
In the picture book category, I just found The Seagoing Cowboy by Peggy Reiff Miller, published by the Brethren Press. It tells the story of the men who delivered cattle to post-World War II Europe as part of the relief effort. It was of special interest to me because I grew up hearing stories of my Granddad who made two trips across the Atlantic on a cattle boat.
