Tell Me the Day Backwards by Albert Lamb, Ill. by David McPhail

Publishing: Candlewick Press; Somerville, MA; 2011

Description: Timmy Bear and his mother recount the day in reverse order before he goes to sleep for the night.

Programming: This would be a good bedtime story for individual parents, or a good way for librarians and teachers to talk about time a chain of causes and events, because everything Timmy tells has a cause that came before it. Students might look at other stories, perhaps, popular folk and fairy tales and try to tell them backwards, pointing out what was the cause and what was the effect.

Old Bear by Kevin Henkes

Publishing: Greenwillow Books, 2008

Description: Old Bear goes into hibernation for the winter and dreams of the spring, summer, autumn, and finally the winter. When he wakes up from his very long nap he walks into the spring day and realizes he isn’t dreaming. 

Programming: Students could have a worksheet divided into four sections-one for each season. They could have paper shapes that they have to place in one season or another, such as snow, or falling leaves. 

Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Publishing: Roaring Book Press, New York, 2012

Description: Bear is getting sleepy, but before he goes into hibernation, he has a story to tell. Only, he cannot find anyone to tell it to. The illustrations of this text resemble Erin Stead’s typical style (which I love!), with soft colors and pencil lines.

Programming: This would be a good book for sharing with students about animals preparing for the winter. What do people do to prepare for the winter? A matching sheet with animals and their preparations might be a good way to drive this point home.

Note: This husband and wife duo is also responsible for Caldecott Medal winner, A Sick Day for Amos McGee.