Elementary Library

Resource & Discussion Guide

Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin (E CRO) When Farmer Brown's cows find a typewriter in the barn they start making demands, and go on strike when the farmer refuses to give them what they want. Discussion prompts: ●​ Before reading the story, look at the front cover. What might the cows be typing a letter about? ●​ Why does the author use this punctuation?

●​ What is the purpose of the cow’s letter? To entertain, inform, or persuade? ●​ The animals reach a compromise. What does this mean? Have you ever had to compromise with someone?

●​ What does it mean to be a “neutral party”? ●​ What does the word “ultimatum” mean?

Zap! Clap! Boom! The Story of a Thunderstorm by Laura Purdie Salas (E SAL) What starts as a blue-sky day begins to turn into rolling thunder as a storm brews.

Discussion prompts: ●​ How does the weather affect the children in this story? What was the weather like yesterday? Did it change what you did? ●​ What memories does the rain bring up for you?

●​ What other sounds could you use to sound like a rainstorm? ●​ Why did the author choose to write this story as a poem?

Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London (E LON) Rambunctious Froggy hops out into the snow for a winter frolic but is called back by his mother to put on some necessary articles of clothing.

Discussion prompts: ●​ Why do frogs usually sleep in the winter?

●​ Why does froggy keep forgetting certain clothes? ●​ Make a prediction, what is going to happen next? ●​ Did you expect that ending? Why or why not?

Muncha Muncha Muncha by Candace Fleming (E FLE) After planting the garden he has dreamed of for years, Mr. McGreely tries to find a way to keep some persistent bunnies from eating all his vegetables. Discussion prompts: ●​ What happens when Mr. McGreely’s vegetables begin to grow?” ●​ What does Mr. McGreely do after the first visit by the bunnies? What does Mr. McGreely do after the fourth visit by the bunnies? ●​ What does Mr. McGreely find in his basket at the end of the story? ●​ Why do you think Mr. McGreely ends up sharing his vegetables with the bunnies? 154