Francesca And The Magic Bike

Francesca and a dog set off on a very unusual bicycle to find a long-lost family heirloom.

Fiction, Reading Recovery Level 9, F&P Level F, DRA2 Level 10, Theme Imagination, Stage Early, Character N/A

Academic study of children's literature has explored various aspects of diversity; however, little research has examined Canadian books that portray characters with disabilities. This relevant and timely text addresses the significant dearth of research by exploring the treatment of disability in Canadian literature for young people. Engaging and highly accessible, this text will assist teachers, teacher educators, and teacher candidates in finding and using books about characters where disability is a part of their characterization, supporting the development of curricula that reflect critical literacy and social justice issues. Stories for Every Classroom explores the historical patterns and trends, theoretical frameworks, and critical literacy methods used to understand and teach children's literature and its portrayal of characters with disabilities. It provides educators with curriculum ideas and enriches the body of resources shared with children in K-12 settings for the purposes of developing imagination, empathy, and understanding of self and others. Featuring author portraits, comprehensive annotated bibliographies of contemporary Canadian children's books that depict characters with disabilities, and read-on bibliographies that provide connections with other books in the field, this unique text will be an invaluable resource for educators.

Based on a song written by Canadian folk artist Norm Hacking, When Cats Go Wrong is a lighthearted story about life with a mischievous cat. A boy comes across a stray cat on the street and brings him home to his mother. Though the mother has reservations, she reluctantly agrees to keep him.Despite the boy's assurances, the cat is nothing but trouble. Left alone, he dips his paws into the goldfish bowl, sharpens his claws on the couch and snacks on the butter. One day, the boy rushes home to tidy up before his mom gets home and is surprised to find she's already there. And he's even more surprised to learn that his "reluctant" mother doesn't seem to mind this naughty kitty after all.Also included is a CD single recording performed by Norm Hacking of the song that inspired the book. Hacking was nominated for a 2004 Canadian Independent Music Award."Hacking's songs capture a very real slice of life ... Norm Hacking is a first class song craftsman." -Kingston Whig-Standard

Matilda Marsh lives with her wacky grandma in a small village called Long Ashton. It's the summer holidays, and Matilda is bored and longing for an adventure. Little does she know that she is going to have an adventure of a lifetime and experience more magic than she could ever wish for. Who knew a bike could hold such magical powers!

When young Danny Harris knocks a witch into a ditch, she puts a spell on his bike: Like it or lump it, lump it or like, ride on forever, little tike