Volunteers needed in May!   Click here to sign up.
 Site Areas: 
  HOME  
  ABOUT US  
  FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS  
  HOW TO HELP  
  NEWS  
  READING CLUBS  
Printer-friendly version   

Crankenstein



Last updated Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Author: Samantha Berger
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 031612656X
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2020

Synopsis: BEWARE OF CRANKENSTEIN! He's a little monster of crankiness that no one can destroy! MEHHRRRR!!! He may look like any ordinary boy, but when faced with a rainy day, a melting popsicle, or an early bedtime, one little boy transforms into a mumbling, grumbling Crankenstein. When Crankenstein meets his match in a fellow Crankenstein, the results could be catastrophic - or they could be just what he needs to brighten his day! This hilarious and relatable tale of grumpiness gone awry will turn tantrums to giggles in no time.

Note to readers:
•  This book could be used any time fo the year, even though it is also a good choice for October/Halloween Theme

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Are you ever in a bad mood—CRANKY?
•  Try to remember happened before you got Cranky.
•  Is anybody Cranky today?

Vocabulary

•  Mehhrrr - disappointed (no syrup for his pancakes)
•  Cranky - grumpy, crabby, bad mood
•  Ha Ha Ha - laughing

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why did they FINALLY laugh together?
•  What did they both act like when they noticed each other/
•  Why did they start to laugh together?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a picture of what makes YOU feel cranky
•  (I have a photo of me dropping my ice cream)
•  I got soooo cranky because I am afraid of ladders and had to turn off smoke alarms.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/october-2020-halloween-magic-and-monsters/

Special activities:
•  Get the kids talking about being frustrated and how we all get CRANKY sometimes.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!