The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School by Candace Fleming

The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School by Candace Fleming

I'm wondering how this book got away from me and I missed it in the early rounds of reviews (too many books too little time). It is the funniest book I've read for a long time. What a joy. I was laughing, my adult son was laughing, my preteen grandson was laughing. Even my husband managed to smile at our silliness as I read a chapter or two aloud. It's our kind of humor. I can not believe that I missed it for four months or so. The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School by Candace Fleming (Schwartz & Wade, 2007).

It's the perfect read aloud for every older primary or intermediate classroom. Each chapter is a tongue-in-cheek scenario that leads to a wonderfully appropriate "moral" at the end of the chapter. Each chapter brought a smile as we came to the conclusion.
Do not miss this book. Get it now to read thsi fall -- first book in your classroom. I think I would share this even with much older students. They would groan at the silliness but I think they would be inspired to write a chapter or two - chapters ending in their own appropriate moral. What fun?

The rambuctious fourth grade class is to be taught his year by the globe-trotting, Mayan-ceremonial-robe-wearing Mr. Jupiter, who manages to charm everyone including the very efficient librarian,Paige Turner .Other adults at the school have "appropriate" names as well -- the cafeteria lady is Mrs. Bunz, the drama teacher is Mrs. Playright.

Our favorite question to ask around our home (when we suspect someone is embellishing their story in one way or another) is to ask if they are "crocheting" or "swimming." You'll get the humor of that once you read Fleming's delightful book.

Fourth Grade teachers should be mandated to read this book to their class - -other classes optional but highly recommended.

Kudos to Candace - thanks for a fun read.

Sharron L. McElmeel