Special Collections
District List: ELC-5 Unit 2 Fantasy Picture Books
Description: The genre of fantasy: Students should think about how authors create believable, fantastical worlds through description and particular craft moves. Instruct students to recognize symbolism as a mean of in-depth interpretation of plot. #mcps
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Merlin and the Dragons
by Jane YolenWhen young Arthur is troubled by dreams, Merlin tells him a story about a fatherless boy who himself dreamed about dragons and the defeat of the evil king Vortigern.
Just a Dream
by Chris Van AllsburgWalter is a litterbug who does not appreciate the beauty of nature, or understand his role in keeping the planet healthy . . . until a fantastic journey shows him the tragic fate that could befall Earth if humans like him are not more careful. Are Walter’s actions really helping his planet along the road to destruction, or is it all just a dream?Chris Van Allsburg’s classic story of environmental responsibility is now available in this special paperback edition with french flaps.
The Great Kapok Tree
by Lynne CherryExhausted from his labors, a man chopping down a great kapok tree in the Brazilian rain forest puts down his ax, and, as he sleeps, the animals who live in the tree plead with him not to destroy their world. "This modern fable with its urgent message contains an abundance of information. "--The Horn Book
The Sweetest Fig
by Chris Van Allsburg"These figs are very special," the woman whispered. "They can make your dreams come true. " -- Thus Monsieur Bibot, the cold-hearted dentist, was given two ordinary-looking figs as payment for extracting a tooth from an old woman's mouth. Monsieur Bibot refused to believe such nonsense and proceeded to eat one of the figs for a bedtime snack. Although it was possibly the finest, sweetest fig he had ever tasted, it wasn't until the next morning that Monsieur Bibot realized it indeed had the power to make his dreams come true. While dragging his poor dog, Marcel, out for his walk, he discovered that his strange dream from the night before was becoming all too real. Determined to make good use of the second fig, Monsieur Bibot learns to control is dreams. But can he control Marcel? Once again Chris Van Allsburg explores the mysterious territory between fantasy and reality in an uncanny tale that will intrigue readers of all ages.
The Black Snowman
by Phil MendezMany years ago a kente, a beautiful brightly colored African cloth, brought its magic to the people of the Ashanti tribe. When the African people were sold into slavery the kente was sold, too. Though the years have left it in tatters, it has kept its power. Hundreds of years have passed. Now Jacob, a poor, unhappy boy from the city, needs the kente's magic.
The Magician’s Boy
by Susan CooperA Boy works for a Magician. The Boy polishes the Magician's wands, and catches the rabbits that the Magician pulls out of hats. But the Boy's favorite job is operating the puppets for the Magician's famous puppet play, "Saint George and the Dragon" -- until one terrible day when, in the middle of a performance, the Boy can't find the Saint George puppet. The Magician is furious. He points a long magical finger at the Boy, and --poof!-- the Boy is suddenly in the strange Land of Story, where he must fi...
Where the Wild Things Are
by Maurice SendakWinner of the 1964 Caldecott Medal for the Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year, Where the Wild Things Are became an iconic book that has inspired a movie, an opera, and the imagination of generations. It continues to be one of the best loved books of all time the world over, by the one and only Maurice Sendak. Supports the Common Core State Standards. Images and image descriptions available.
The Talking Eggs
by Robert D. San SouciA Southern folktale in which kind Blanche, following the instructions of an old witch, gains riches, while her greedy sister makes fun of the old woman and is duly rewarded.
Tar Beach
by Faith Ringgold"Ringgold recounts the dream adventure of eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot, who flies above her apartment-building rooftop, the 'tar beach' of the title, looking down on 1939 Harlem. Part autobiographical, part fictional, this allegorical tale sparkles with symbolic and historical references central to African-American culture. The spectacular artwork resonates with color and texture. Children will delight in the universal dream of mastering one's world by flying over it. A practical and stunningly beautiful book. "--(starred) Horn
Winner of the Caldecott Honor
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Medal
The Lorax
by Dr SeussLong before "going green" was mainstream, Dr. Seuss's Lorax spoke for the trees and warned of the dangers of disrespecting the environment. In this cautionary rhyming tale, we learn of the Once-ler, who came across a valley of Truffula Trees and Brown Bar-ba-loots, and how his harvesting of the tufted trees changed the landscape forever. With the release of the blockbuster film version, the Lorax and his classic tale have educated a new generation of young readers not only about the importance of seeing the beauty in the world around us, but also about our responsibility to protect it.
A Bad Case of Stripes
by David ShannonCamilla just wants to fit in at school, so much that she is willing to do anything. If it means not eating her favorite vegetable, lima beans, she will give them up. She starts out with a case of stripes that eventually makes her become whatever someone imagines is wrong with her. It is only when Camilla embraces what she truly loves that she returns to being a regular little girl. 34 pages.
Stellaluna
by Janell CannonKnocked from her mother’s safe embrace by an attacking owl, Stellaluna lands headfirst in a bird’s nest. This adorable baby fruit bat’s world is literally turned upside down when she is adopted by the occupants of the nest and adapts to their peculiar bird habits. Two pages of notes at the end of the story provide factual information about bats.