Sparky! Written by Jenny Offill Illustrations by Chris Appelhans Schwartz & Wade, 2014 This humorous picture book introduces readers to a very unique pet. A young girl begs her mother for several different animals, but is turned down each time. Her mother finally agrees that she can get a pet, “as long as it doesn’t need to be walked or bathed or fed.” The school librarian helps the young girl find more information about animals, and after a little research, she finds a pet that meets all these criteria­ a sloth. She promptly names the sloth Sparky. A friend is unimpressed with Sparky’s lack of activity, so the girl decides to teach him some tricks. Sparky isn’t as easy to train as she had hoped, but the quiet moment of contentment at the end of the story shows that the bond between the owner and pet is more valuable than any impressive tricks. About the Author Jenny Offill is the author of two picture books and two adult novels. She lives in upstate New York. Visit her online at jennyoffill.com. About the Illustrator Chris Appelhans is an illustrator and author for animated feature films. His work includes art for Coraline, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and The Princess and the Frog. He lives in Los Angeles. View his work online at froghatstudios.com. Accompanying Activities 1. Language Arts: Research Students will use Britannica Online™ (subscription required) as a resource to further their knowledge. Look at the article about sloths on Britannica Online™ and sort the facts into trash or treasure based on whether or not they are relevant to the overarching question. ● Research/Gathering Sources – Students determine, locate, and explore the full range of relevant sources addressing a research question and systematically record the information they gather. Students are expected to: ○ Kindergarten TEKS: ELAR 110.11 (b) 20 A: Gather evidence from provided text sources. ○ 1st Grade TEKS: ELAR 110.12 (b) 24 A: Gather evidence from available sources (natural and personal) as well as from interviews with local experts. ○ 2nd Grade TEKS: ELAR 110.13 (b) 25 A: Gather evidence from available sources (natural and personal) as well as from interviews with local experts. TEKS – Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Armadillo Readers’ Choice 2014­2015
© Round Rock Independent School District, Library Services 1 2. Language Arts: Can We Get a Pet? After reading Sparky, the class will select an animal to learn about and use PebbleGo™ (subscription required) to research the animal. Students will brainstorm a list of reasons to get this animal as a pet, then write a letter to persuade their family to get this pet. ● Writing/Writing Process – Students use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing) to compose text. Students are expected to: ○ 1st Grade TEKS: ELAR 110.12 (b) 17 A: Plan a first draft by generating ideas for writing (e.g., drawing, sharing ideas, listing key ideas). ○ 2nd Grade TEKS: ELAR 110.13 (b) 17 A: Plan a first draft by generating ideas for writing (e.g., drawing, sharing ideas, listing key ideas). ● Writing/Persuasive Texts – ○ 2nd Grade TEKS: ELAR 110.13 (b) 20: Students write persuasive texts to influence the attitudes or actions of a specific audience on specific issues. Students are expected to write persuasive statements about issues that are important to the student for the appropriate audience in the school, home, or local community. Companion Books Other Books by Jenny Offill 11 Experiments That Failed. Schwartz & Wade Book, 2011. 17 Things I’m Not Allowed to do Anymore. Schwartz & Wade Book, 2007. While You Were Napping. Schwartz & Wade Book, 2014. Sloths Carle, Eric. “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” Said the Sloth. Puffin Books, 2002. Cooke, Lucy. A Little Book of Sloth. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2013. Lester, Helen. Score One for the Sloths. Houghton Mifflin, 2001. New Pets Bodeen, S. A. A Small Brown Dog with a Wet Pink Nose. Little Brown, 2010. Jeffers, Oliver. This Moose Belongs to Me. Philomel Books, 2012. Orloff, Karen Kaufman. I Wanna Iguana. Putnam, 2004. Willems, Mo. The Pigeon Wants a Puppy. Hyperion, 2008. Digital Resources Author Website jennyoffill.com. Illustrator Website froghatstudios.com Bath Time for Baby Sloths video http://safeshare.tv/w/TDLpeNfJNE TEKS – Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Armadillo Readers’ Choice 2014­2015
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