Book of the Day by Mrs. Mattei!

Are you a fan of fairy tales?? These days, there are endless options when it comes to great retellings of these traditional tales. The books of the day come from the After Happily Ever After series by Tony Bradman. These are quick reads that offer readers a look at what happens after the traditional tales end.  Happy reading! :o)

Here's a few books from this series:

The Ugly Duckling Returns 

• The ugly duckling finds that as a beautiful swan he cannot get the right kind of publicity needed for the anti-pollution campaign, so he decides to change back to his old self to help save the forest.

The Fairy Godmother Takes a Break

• Tired of never being thanked for helping people live happily ever after, the Fairy Godmother decides to quit her job, but finds it difficult to be left alone, even when she takes a vacation.

Mr. Bear Gets Alarmed

• After the Goldilocks break-in, Mr. Bear decides to install an alarm system--but when it keeps going off for no reason, Mrs. Bear takes control of the situation.

Want to check out the more books in this series? Click here! 

Want to learn more about author Tony Bradman? Click here!

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Book of the Day by Mrs. Mattei!

Have you ever had an argument with a sibling or a friend? If you have, then this book will be a hit with you! In this story, two bears have an argument about who is bigger and who is smaller. There is a small, well, big argument and calamity ensues as well as a twist. This is a quite enjoyable read! :o)

You Are (Not) Small

by Anna Kang

Two fuzzy creatures can't agree on who is small and who is big, until a couple of surprise guests show up, settling it once and for all.

Want to learn more about author Anna Kang? Click here!

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Book of the Day by Mrs. Mattei!

When you attend the State Fair of Texas, do you often wonder who invented the MARVELOUS Texas Star? If you've ever wondered where this amazing Ferris Wheel came from then you are in for a treat. The book of the day is called Mr. Ferris & His Wheel by Kathryn Davis. It is not only packed with historical facts about this amazing feat of engineering, but the illustrations truly stand out. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did! Happy reading! :o)

Capturing an engineer's creative vision and mind for detail, this fully illustrated picture book biography sheds light on how the American inventor George Ferris defied gravity and seemingly impossible odds to invent the world's most iconic amusement park attraction, the Ferris wheel. A fun, fact-filled text by Gibbs Davis combines with Gilbert Ford's dazzling full-color illustrations to transport readers to the 1893 World's Fair, where George Ferris and his big, wonderful wheel lifted passengers to the skies for the first time.

Want to learn more about author Kathryn Davis or Mr. Ferris & His Wheel? Click here!

Take a moment to preview this book by watching the book trailer!

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NEW: Question of the Week!

Attention Sonntag Researchers! 

In an effort to get the word out about the amazing online resources Frisco ISD has available for you, the Sonntag Library has launched a new program called "Question of the Week." Sonntag researchers will be challenged to answer a question and will use the FISD online resources to find the answer. Please note that the library operates on a 2-week schedule. Therefore, a new question will be released every 2 weeks. 

It's easy to participate! All you do is click the following image to access the current question of the week. Using the MackinVia online resources, answer the question asked. A hint has even been provided to help you find the answer. 1 winner with the correct answer will be drawn. That winner will receive a prize! Happy researching!! 

Click the image below to access the current question of the week:

Click the MackinVia image below or on the sidebar of this page to access MackinVia. 

Note: You will use your unique FISD username and password to access your MackinVia account.

Book of the Day by Mrs. Mattei!

Are you a fan of Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan? If you loved reading about Ivan, then you MUST check this nonfiction companion book out! Happy reading! 

Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla

In a spare, powerful text and evocative illustrations, the Newbery medalist Katherine Applegate and the artist G. Brian Karas present the extraordinary real story of a special gorilla.
Captured as a baby, Ivan was brought to a Tacoma, Washington, mall to attract shoppers. Gradually, public pressure built until a better way of life for Ivan was found at Zoo Atlanta. From the Congo to America, and from a local business attraction to a national symbol of animal welfare, Ivan the Shopping Mall Gorilla traveled an astonishing distance in miles and in impact.
This is his true story and includes photographs of Ivan in the back matter.

Want to learn more about author Katherine Applegate? Click here!

Want to learn more about this fascinating gorilla? Click here! 

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Book of the Day by Mrs. Mattei

Are you a fan of the Texas Bluebonnet Award winning book The Day the Crayons Quit?? If you are, you are in for a REAL treat! Today's book of the day comes from acclaimed author/illustrator duo Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers. Check this gem out!

The Day the Crayons Came Home

I'm not sure what it is about this kid Duncan, but his crayons sure are a colorful bunch of characters. Having soothed the hurt feelings of one group who threatened to quit, Duncan now faces a whole new group of crayons asking to be rescued From Maroon Crayon, who was lost beneath the sofa cushions and then broken in two after Dad sat on him; to Burnt Sienna, who was eaten by the dog and then puked up on the living room rug ("NOT "pretty, Duncan); to poor Turquoise, whose head is now stuck to one of Duncan's socks after they both ended up in the dryer together; to Pea Green, who knows darn well that no kid likes peas and who ran away, changing his name to Esteban the Magnificent--each and every crayon has a woeful tale to tell and a plea to be brought home to the crayon box.
Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers have combined to create a companion book every bit as funny and kid-friendly as the #1 bestselling "The Day the Crayons Quit." 

Want to learn more about author Drew Daywalt? Click here!

Want to learn more about illustrator Oliver Jeffers? Click here!

Check out this excerpt from this amazing book!

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Attention 4th Graders! The FPL Storytelling Festival is Next Week!

Image retrieved from http://www.lonestarstories.org/ 

Attention 4th Graders! The Frisco Public Library is hosting its annual Lone Star Storytelling Festival on October 16th & 17th. Sonntag 4th graders will attend on Thursday, October 16th. This is an amazing opportunity to enjoy the art of storytelling with your fellow students. Click the image above to find out more information about how you AND your family can hear the featured storytellers together. You can also find out more from the Google Slides below. Hope to see you there!

Follow the Sonntag Library on Social Media!!

The Fall Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!!

The fall Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Sonntag on Monday, October 26th and will be open for shopping through Friday, October 30th. 

Click the image above to find out more about this MONSTER of a Book Fair!*

*Please note: If you are shopping for books through the Online Fair, you will need to search for GERALD SONNTAG ELEMENTARY.

Book of the Day by Mrs. Mattei

Happy Friday, Sonntag Community! Today's book of the day is brought to you by one of my favorite children's book author/illustrators Oliver Jeffers. He has an amazing and has been nominated and has won several awards for his work. I've featured one of his books at GMS before and couldn't pass this book up. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Happy reading! 

Once Upon an Alphabet

"If words make up the stories and letters make up the words, then stories are made up of letters. In this menagerie we have stories made of words, made FOR all the letters." 
The most inventive and irresistible book of the year spans a mere 26 letters (don't they all ) and 112 pages. From an Astronaut who's afraid of heights, to a Bridge that ends up burned between friends, to a Cup stuck in a cupboard and longing for freedom, "Once Upon an Alphabet" is a creative tour de force from A through Z. Slyly funny in a way kids can't resist, and gorgeously illustrated in a way readers of all ages will pour over, this series of interconnected stories and characters explores the alphabet in a way that will forever raise the bar. 
In "Once Upon an Alphabet," #1 "New York Times "bestseller Oliver Jeffers has created a stunning collection of words and artwork that is a story book, alphabet book, and gorgeously designed art book all in one.

Want to learn more about Oliver Jeffers? Click here!

Want to read a snippet of Once Upon an Alphabet? Check out this preview from Google Books :)

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Book of the Day by Mrs. Mattei!

This week, 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders enjoyed Lois Ehlert's autobiography book The Scraps Book: Notes from a Colorful Life. This fantastic read truly earned the chance to grace the 2015-2016 Texas Bluebonnet Award list.  Today's featured book is also a story of Lois Ehlert's life as a little girl and how her parents inspired her to create. I hope you are inspired to create, too! Happy reading and creating! :)

Hands: Growing Up to be an Artist

As the child in this story watches her mother and father work with their hands, she knows she wants to build and sew and garden and paint just like they do. All she needs is a special place to work, lots of good materials--and plenty of encouragement. With these tools, she is able to make the most wonderful things.From Caldecott Honor-winning artist Lois Ehlert, here is a book for anyone, young or old, a book that celebrates the importance of nurturing the creative spirit within us all. Includes an inspiring author's note.

Want to learn more about author/illustrator Lois Ehlert? Click here! 

International Literacy Day at Sonntag!

On Tuesday, September 8th, Sonnntag Elementary celebrated International Literacy Day!! It was a GLOBAL event where students from all walks of life participated in a variety of literacy activities to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and equal access to education. At Sonntag, students throughout the grade levels enjoyed some great books with their fellow students. 

3rd, 4th, and 5th graders enjoyed a speccial treat. Dr. Lyon, the Frisco ISD Superintendent, read Flight School by Lita Judge. In addition, the Heritage High School football and soccer players came to our campus to read with our students. The kids, from both campuses, had a blast! Check out some of the pictures from this powerful event!

If you would like to learn more about International Literacy Day you can click here or follow this amazing organization on Twitter at @worldliteracy or using #worldliteracy. 

Book of the Day by Mrs. Mattei

I love to sleep. Don't you?? In today's book of the day a little girl is desperately trying to avoid going to sleep. To help her fall asleep, she wonders if all things go to sleep at night. It's a beautiful book written by Mary Logue and earned the Randolf Caldecott Honor Award in 2013. Please check this book out! Happy reading! :)

In this magical bedtime story, the lyrical narrative echoes a Runaway Bunny – like cadence: Does everything in the world go to sleep? the little girl asks. In sincere and imaginative dialogue between a not-at-all sleepy child and understanding parents, the little girl decides in a cocoon of sheets, a nest of blankets, she is ready to sleep, warm and strong, just like a tiger. The Caldecott Honor artist Pamela Zagarenski’s rich, luminous mixed-media paintings effervesce with odd, charming details that nonsleepy children could examine for hours. A rare gem.

Want to learn more about author Mary Logue? Click here!

Want to learn more about illustrator Pamela Zagarenski? Click here!

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Book of the Day by Mrs. Mattei

Are you a fan of classic Seuss stories and I Spy books? Today's books of the day are the perfect blend of these two literary all stars. If you've never read any books by Bob Staake you are definitely in for a real treat! Look! A Book! A Zany Seek-and-Find Adventure and Look! Another Book! will be a hit with the Sonntag Readers. Happy reading! :)

Look! A Book! A Zany Seek-and-Find Adventure

• Easy-to-read, rhyming text invites the reader to search for items on a different theme on each page, while celebrating the wonder of a picture book.

Look! Another Book!

LOOK!
A boot!
A fruit!
A crossing guard newt!

Once AGAIN a seek-and-find, MORE images of every kind!

From a music note to a teeny red boat, a blue kangaroo to a robot or two, there are endless things to discover in this zany follow-up to Look! A Book! from award-winning artist Bob Staake. Die cuts on the cover and every spread reveal hidden treasures in each vast landscape, from a zoo gone wild to an out-of-this-world moon base to a crazy art museum, and more, providing hours of entertainment to readers young and old.

Want to learn more about Bob Staake?? Click here! 

Here's where you can check these books out in the Sonntag library: 

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Preschool Storytime!

Attention Sonntag Community! The fall 2015 Preschool Storytime dates have been set. Please click here to find out more information about how you and your future Lil Coyote can join in on the fun! We hope to see you there! 

New Library Catalog!

Attention Sonntag Community!! The Frisco ISD libraries are proud to announce a brand new automation system (A.K.A. catalog)!! It's called LS2 and offers different search options including a kid-friendly search option. Happy searching and reading! 

Click the image below to access the Sonntag LS2 catalog: 

Click the image below to access the Sonntag Kids LS2 catalog: