Skip to main content

Norman the Doorman

Norman the Doorman

Written and Illustrated by Don Freeman

Summary: This book is about a small mouse named Norman. He is the "doorman" of an art museum. He shows his fellow mice friends all of the artifacts in the basement of the art museum, which is also where he lives. He never ventures to the upstairs of the art museum for fear of being caught by the security guards. These guards set traps in the basement for mice like Norman, but Norman is carful to disarm them so that he and his fellow mice do not become victims. He even takes the wire from the mouse traps and makes artwork out of it sometimes. 
One day, Norman sees a sign outside of the museum announcing the sculpture competition occurring inside. Norman gets so excited and runs into the basement and grabs his latest wire sculpture. He runs it upstairs, careful not to be spotted by the security guards, and puts it next to the other sculptures. After the judging is completed, Norman discovers that his sculpture won! As a prize, he is allowed to see the upstairs of the museum on a guided tour and is very happy.

Review: This story is very endearing and is great for read alouds. However, it is a very long children's book: 64 pages! It would be great to read in sections and create anticipation in the children. Individuals could read this during 2nd or 3rd grade. The pictures are beautiful and colorful as well.


-The Green Eyed Reader

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The War That Saved My Life

The War that Saved My Life  By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley  Summary:  This story follows the lives of a young brother and sister duo, Ada and Jamie Smith, during World War II. These siblings have grown up in the same house with their mother, who they call Mam, but with two very different lives. Jamie, a 7 year-old, is the youngest, and for the most part, has a normal life that includes going to school and playing with his friends around the block. Ada, on the other hand, who is 11 years-old, lives the life of a crippled and abused shut-in. This is in thanks to her Mam, who is embarrassed by the fact that she had a daughter with a club foot. Because of her foot, Ada cannot walk correctly and is not allowed to go outside of their London flat. However, that all changes when the Germans invade and their city is predicted to be bombed. For Ada and Jamie's safety, not only from the bombs, but also from Mam, they runaway with Jamie's local school to the countr...

Where The Sidewalk Ends

Where the Sidewalk Ends By Shel Silverstein Summary:  In the collection, there are more than 60 of Shel Silverstein's poems and illustrations. Some of my favorite poems in this treasury are "Sick," "Jumping Rope," and "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take The Garbage Out." These poems were some of my very favorites growing up. With Shel's clever word choice and small illustrations for most of the poems, children will love reading all of the different selections. Review:  This was probably my favorite collection of poems growing up. I love how the poems are different lengths and are made more attractive with interesting sketches for many of the poems. I would probably recommend this book for 4th through 7th graders. There is definitely something for everyone in this book and would make for a great in-class read aloud. To get your own copy:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-the-sidewalk-ends-shel-silverstein/1100831320#/  ...

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie By Laura Joffe Numeroff & Illustrated by Felicia Bond Summary: This is the tale of a boy who had a mouse as a friend and the boy gave him a cookie. Of course the mouse wanted milk to go along with the cookie, so he asked for some of that too. When the boy gives the mouse the milk, he wants a straw as well, and then a napkin to clean himself up with. Over and over again the boy will meet the mouse's need, but then it turns into another and then another! The story comes full circle after a hair cut, a nap, and other shenanigans when the mouse is tired from all of his activities and asks for a glass of milk. Because when he asks for a glass of milk, most likely, he will want a cookie to go with it! Review:  This story is a cycle and is one that is endearing to all ages. With the illustrations and easy vocabulary, it is great for read aloud or individual student readings.  would recommend this to K-1st grade students because there are a ...