This comprehensive handbook offers thoroughly annotated lists of 2009's best children's books, plus lesson plans, teacher's guides, stories, songs, and Internet resources.

The book that has itself been a winner for the past five years is back-and more chock full of useful information than ever! The WINNERS! Handbook: A Closer Look at Judy Freeman's Top-Rated Children's Books of 2009 is built around a list of the 100 best books of the year. Each entry includes a meaty and thoughtful annotation, a germ (a series of practical, pithy ideas for reading, writing, and illustrating prompts and other activities across the curriculum), a useful list of exemplary related titles, and subject designations to help you ascertain where the book might fit thematically into your curricular plan or program.

You find scores of useful and fun ideas, activities, lessons, and ways you can incorporate literature into every aspect of your day. From story hour to curriculum tie-ins, the many connections here include everything from strategies for comprehension to games, crafts, songs, creative drama, booktalking, and more.