If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, DON'T! - Elise Parsley

1. Show-and-Tell with a Twist: Elise Parsley takes a topic so familiar to kids and adds such a hilarious twist. If you were thinking of passing on this book, don't.

2. Magnolia: A spunky main character trying to warn you, the reader, not to make the same mistake she did.

3. Illustrations: There is so much rich color and detail on each page. My favorite part of the illustrations is the expressions by Magnolia, her teacher, and the other kids in the class.

4. Name on the Board: Any adult who reads this book will immediately identify with having one's name written on the board by the teacher. It brings back a sick feeling in my stomach as I type this...not that I ever had my name written up there.

5. The Endpapers: Flip from the front endpapers directly to the back ones once you get the book. Little boy's face = priceless.

Parents: A fun read for your kids just going back-to-school.

Teachers: Great intro story to read if you do show-and-tell or sharing in your class. Also, a great choice to model reading with expression or to use as a mentor text for writing...If you ever want to bring a __________ to ___________, DON'T!

Writers: Voice; second person point-of-view; great build-up of the drama

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