LibGuides: LS Teamwork: Home

Videos

Teamwork Links

Library Books

The Amazing Tree by John Kilaka
Ant Cities by Arthur Dorros Explains how ants live and work together to build and maintain their cities.
Basketball Bats by Betty Hicks UNBEATABLE TEAM--MAYBE. UNBEATABLE READING--FOR SURE! The first novel in Betty Hick's Gym Shorts series is a slam-dunk for newly-independent readers. Henry and his friends on Rockford Road are a basketball team unstoppable on their driveway court. But without team t-shirts or an official name can they take on The Tigers, a team that plays at the huge YWCA and has a player old enough to shave? Young readers will cheer as The Bats take on a name and stick together to beat the odds. Basketball Bats is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells Max makes an earthworm cake for Grandma's birthday and helps Ruby with her angel surprise cake. At the store, the grocer can't read all of the shopping list, until Max solves the problem by drawing a picture.
Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett Meet Chloe: Every week, she collects loose change so she can buy tickets to ride the merry-go-round. But one fateful day, she gets lost in the woods on her way home, and a large dragon leaps out from-"Wait! It's supposed to be a lion," says Mac Barnett, the author of this book. But Adam Rex, the illustrator, thinks a dragon would be so much cooler (don't you agree?). Mac's power of the pen is at odds with Adam's brush, and Chloe's story hangs in the balance. Can she help them out of this quandary to be the heroine of her own story? Mac Barnett and Adam Rex are a dynamic duo, and two of the strongest contemporary voices in picture books today. In an accessible and funny way, Chloe and the Lion talks about the creative process and the joys and trials of collaboration.
Community Soup by Alma Fullerton In a garden outside a Kenyan schoolhouse children are working together to harvest the vegetables they have grown and make them into a soup for everyone to share. But Kioni is having trouble: her herd of mischievous goats followed her to school today and they are trying to eat all the vegetables. The ensuing chaos caused by the goats is cleverly resolved by the children, making their vegetable soup very tasty while saving Kioni's four-legged intruders at the same time.Using rollicking verse with echoes of "Mary had a Little Lamb," Alma Fullerton tells a lively story about communal projects and finding creative solutions that help everyone contribute. This lively story for young readers is graced with Alma's stunning primitive paper sculpture art - the first book she has chosen to illustrate herself.
The Earth Book by Todd Parr "I take care of the earth because I know I can do little things every day to make a BIG difference..." With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitiviy, Todd Parr explores the important, timely subject of environmental protection and conservation in this eco-friendly picture book. Featuing a circular die-cut Earth on the cover, and printed entirely with recycled materials and nontoxic soy inks, this book includes lots of easy, smart ideas on how we can all work together to make the Earth feel good - from planting a tree and using both sides of the paper, to saving energy and reusing old things in new ways. Best of all, the book includes an interior gatefold with a poster with tips/reminders on how kids can "go green" everyday. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, this sweet homage to our beautiful planet is sure to inspire readers of all ages to do their part in keeping the Earth happy and healthy.
The Enormous Potato by Aubrey Davis Folk tales give us hope. They show us that we can succeed in spite of apparent problems. And they entertain. Perhaps this accounts for their universal appeal and their amazing ability to survive. "The Enormous Potato" is one such story that has been around for generations. Retold by professional storyteller Aubrey Davis, it shows what can be accomplished when everyone lends a hand to solve a problem. The Enormous Potato begins with a farmer who plants an eye -- a potato eye. It grows and grows into an enormous potato. Harvest time comes, but the potato is so big that the farmer can't pull it out. So he calls for help, first to his wife, then to their daughter, then to the dog and so on. Energetic illustrations capture the growing determination of the family to free the potato from the soil and the celebratory feast that follows their success.
Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell Farmer Duck does all the work while the farmer stays in bed; then the farm animals decide to take over.
Frederick by Leo Lionni While the other field mice work to gather grain and nuts for winter, Frederick sits on a sunny rock by himself. "I gather sun rays for the cold dark winter days," he tells them. Another day he gathers "colors," and then "words." And when the food runs out, it is Frederick, the dreamer and poet, whose endless store of supplies warms the hearts of his fellow mice, and feeds their spirits during the darkest winter days. Frederick's story will warm readers as well in this Caldecott Honor winning fable.
Horsefly and Honeybee by Randy Cecil When Honeybee decides to take a nap in the same flower as Horsefly, trouble ensues! They don't want to share, and after quarrelling, run away in opposite directions. But it isn't long until they meet againâe¦ They have both been captured by hungry Bullfrog! If Horsely and Honeybee are to escape before dinnertime, they must find a way to work together. With beautiful illustrations and simple text, this is a sweet story about sharing and friendship.
The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone Little Red Hen is a time-tested cautionary tale about how we reap what we sow. When the hen asks a cat, dog, and mouse for help planting some wheat, she gets no takers: "‘Not I!’ said the cat. ‘Not I!’ said the dog. ‘Not I!’ said the mouse." They won’t water, cut, or grind the wheat . . . or help bake a cake with it, either. So guess who eats the cake by herself in the end? The Caldecott Honor artist Paul Galdone’s delightfully detailed ink and wash illustrations—packed with charming details—add plenty of sly humor to the well-loved story that not only offers a sage message but also shows children what it takes to make a cake from the ground up!
The Little Red Hen by Jerry Pinkney Caldecott Medal winner Jerry Pinkney enlivens the beloved fable with cheerful and classically beautiful illustrations, making this the ideal edition for every child’s library.   As he did with his Caldecott-winning The Lion and the Mouse, Jerry Pinkney has masterfully adapted this story of the hardworking hen and her lazy neighbors. Its Golden Rule message and sassy finale are just as relevant and satisfying as ever. Read it in tandem with Pinkney’s Puss in Boots and The Tortoise and the Hare or David Wiesner’s The Three Pigs.     "Perfect [for] sharing with one listener, or a crowd." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)   “Cheerful [and] luminous. Kids will gleefully chime in.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)   “A lush light-filled rendition of a folktale staple.”—School Library Journal (starred review)
Locked in the Library! by Marc Brown Although Arthur and Francine aren't speaking to each other, they must find a way to set aside their differences when they are locked in the library after it closes.
Mouse and Lion by Rand Burkert From the illustrator of the classic edition of Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs On a ridge above the Kalihari, Lion naps, until Mouse bumbles into him, willy-nilly, startling him awake. After a show of teeth, Lion is softened by Mouse's pledge of loyalty and sets him free. When a cold moon brings a humbling lesson, Lion comes to recognize Mouse's keen skill, and deeper kindness. Mouse and Lion, Aesop's fabled duo, renew their ancient bond in this warm retelling by Rand Burkert, illuminated by the authentic natural detail of Nancy Ekholm Burkert's art.
Pearl and Wagner by Kate McMullan Meet Pearl, a hardworking rabbit, and Wagner, a daydreaming mouse. At school they build a robot together, impress a judge at the science fair, and tell each other the truth at all times. But friendship isn't always easy. Sometimes a robot doesn't turn out quite the way it's supposed to, and sometimes a pair of new green boots can cause a fight. Through it all, Pearl and Wagner show that they know how to make up and stay good friends no matter what. Kate McMullan's warm, funny text and R. W. Alley's delightful illustrations perfectly capture the ups and downs of childhood friendship. Readers will be eager to know what's next for these charming new characters.
Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper By the Kate Greenaway Medalist Deep in the woods in an old white cabin, three friends make their pumpkin soup the same way every day. The Cat slices up the pumpkin, the Squirrel stirs in the water, and the Duck tips in just enough salt. But one day the Duck wants to stir instead, and then there is a horrible squabble, and he leaves the cabin in a huff. It isn't long before the Cat and the Squirrel start to worry about him and begin a search for their friend. Rendered in pictures richly evoking autumn, Helen Cooper's delightful story will resonate for an child who has known the difficulties that come with friendship. Included at the end is a recipe for delicious pumpkin soup.
Robbie and Ronnie by Christine Kilphuis Robbie and Ronnie are best friends and do everything together. Their loyalty and teamwork pay off when they find treasure at the local pool, outsmart a bunch of bullies, and win a surprise reward.
Soda Bottle School by Laura Kutner The true story of a Guatemalan village that used the materials at hand, which would normally be considered trash, to form the walls of the new addition to their village school.
The Subway Sparrow by Leyla Torres While riding a New York City subway, a Spanish-speaking girl, an English-speaking man, and a Polish-speaking woman overcome their language barriers when they join together to save a sparrow that is trapped on their train. Text copyright 2004 Lectorum Publications, Inc.
Swimmy by Leo Lionni Deep in the sea there lives a happy school of little fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger, and the little fish are afraid to come out of hiding . . . until Swimmy comes along. Swimmy shows his friends how--with ingenuity and team work--they can overcome any danger. With its graceful text and stunning artwork, this Caldecott Honor Book deserves a place on every child's shelf.
Teammates by Tiki Barber Tiki and Ronde are brothers, best friends, and teammates on the Cave Spring Vikings football team. It's the last preseason game against their arch-rival Knights -- and the football is suddenly knocked out of Tiki's grip. What gives, he thinks, I've always carried the ball this way before. Inspired by Coach Mike, who tells Tiki, "You've gotta believe," Tiki begins secret practice sessions with Ronde in the morning on the way to school. Will it make a difference in the next big game against the Knights? Based on the childhoods of NFL superstars Tiki and Ronde Barber, this story of determination and of confidence will inspire all who read it.
Tera, Star Student by Shana Corey Yabay! It's Tera's turn in the spotlight! She's bright and bold, and about to learn there's more to being smart than knowing all the answers. Tera is a star student. So when Pod 1 is assigned a group project--to build the solar system--Tera is sure she has all the answers. But with her overzealous nature and her know-it-all ways, Tera ruffles a few tentacles. Why does being right sometimes feel so wrong? Shana Corey and Mark Teague are stars who know the meaning of teamwork. Together they have created another out of this world episode in their always-humorous and clever martian chronicles.
Three Hens and a Peacock by Lester L. Laminack When a glamorous visitor lands unexpectedly in their midst and begins attracting customers, three hardworking hens protest: "How come we do all the hard work and he gets all the attention?" To keep the peace, the wise old hound dog suggests a swap. The hens and the peacock soon find out that others' jobs aren't always as easy as they seem. What will happen when three gussied-up hens spend the day prancing and parading at passing cars? And will that peacock ever figure out how to lay an egg?
Three Strikes for Rotten Ralph by Jack Gantos Before he tries out for the new Fighting Squirrels baseball team, Rotten Ralph is sure he is going to be a superstar. Never mind that he doesn't have any skills and doesn't want to practice. While his owner, Sarah, is doing everything she can to make the team, she tries to help Ralph do his best, too. But with his imagination running wild, Ralph's worst is what comes out.
Timothy's Tales from Hilltop School by Rosemary Wells Will Fritz get the world's first-ever toilet paper particle accelerator to work in time for Hilltop School's science fair? Will Charles find his voice when he chooses to be a shrieking eagle during bird week? How can Nora find the perfect gift for Yoko's birthday when her mother won't let her shop in the most expensive store in town? In these six wonderfully original stories-featuring the same beloved characters seen on PBS's Timothy Goes to School-Rosemary Wells depicts the ins and outs, the laughter and frustration, the skirmishes and the friendships that school children everywhere will relate to.
Two for One by Kate DiCamillo Your favorite marvelous companions are back! Meet them at the fair in this delightfully droll sequel to the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning Bink and Gollie. The state fair is in town, and now Bink and Gollie — utter opposites and best friends extraordinaire — must use teamwork and their gray matter while navigating its many wonders. Will the energetic Bink win the world's largest donut in the Whack-a-Duck game? Will the artistic Gollie wow the crowd in the talent show? As the undaunted duo steps into the mysterious tent of fortune-teller Madame Prunely, one prediction is crystal clear: this unlikely pair will always be the closest of pals. Get ready for more laughs in this wry, warmhearted sequel to the New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book Bink and Gollie, written by the award-winning, best-selling Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee and featuring the exuberant visual humor of illustrator Tony Fucile.
Is There Really a Human Race? by Jamie Lee Curtis; Laura Cornell (Illustrator) Is there really a human race? Is it going on now all over the place? When did it start? Who said, "Ready, Set, Go"? Did it start on my birthday? I really must know. With these questions, our hero's imagination is off and running. Is the human race an obstacle course? Is it a spirit? Does he get his own lane? Does he get his own coach? Written with Jamie Lee Curtis's humor and heart and illustrated with Laura Cornell's worldly wit, Is There Really a Human Race? Is all about relishing the journey and making good choices along the way&#8212because how we live and how we love is how we learn to make the world a better place, one small step at a time.
Bubble Trouble by Tom Percival

Professional Books

104 Activities That Build... by Alanna Jones
In this exciting book you'll find 104 games and activities for therapists, counsellors, teachers, and group leaders that teacher Anger Management, Coping Skills, Self-Discovery, Teamwork, Self-Esteem, and Communication Skills! Every game works as a unique tool to modify behaviour, build relationships, start discussions and address issues. Each activity is simple to follow, requires minimal resources, includes helpful discussion questions and of course is interactive and fun.
Building Character in Schools by Kevin Ryan
Young people in America today face a crisis of character. Traditional role models continue to disappoint the public, falling short of expectations and fostering cynicism rather than idealism. As a result, many young people struggle to distinguish right from wrong and seem indifferent to whether it matters. It clearly becomes the task of parents and schools to re-engage the hearts and minds of our children in forming their own characters. In Building Character in Schools, Kevin Ryan and Karen Bohlin draw from nearly fifty years of combined field experience to offer a practical guide to character education -- designed to help children to know the good, love the good, and do the good.<br /> <br /> Ryan and Bohlin provide a blueprint for educators who wish to translate a personal commitment to character education into a schoolwide vision and effort. They outline the principles and strategies of effective character education and explain what schools must do to teach students the habits and dispositions that lead to responsible adulthood -- from developing curriculum that reinforces good character development to strengthening links with parents. A useful resource section includes sample lessons, program guidelines, and a parents′ list of ways to promote character in their children.<br /> <br /> Building Character in Schools clearly defines the responsibilities of adults and students in modeling and nurturing character and sets forth practical guidelines for schools seeking to become communities of virtue where responsibility, hard work, honesty, and kindness are modeled, taught, expected, celebrated, and continually practiced.

Sheila Goeke, Librarian

Sheila Goeke