Classroom Read-Aloud of the Month: I Want to Eat Your Books
Your brains are safe, but the library books aren’t! I Want to Eat Your Books by Karin Lefranc and Tyler Parker is the perfect October picture book to get elementary students excited about the library and laughing out loud. You simply can’t beat zombies and mummies running amok before learning they like to read. Read it aloud for rhyming, rambunctious fun that even reluctant readers can’t resist, perfect for classroom visits or discussing how to treat books. Use these discussion questions, activities, and read-alikes during fall school outreach events, classroom parties, elementary book clubs, or book parties for even more fun. For kindergarten through grade 3.
Introducing I Want to Eat Your Books
Here’s a sample introduction to reel students in and set the stage:
“It’s almost Halloween! Do you have a favorite kind of monster? Does anyone like zombies? Well, this book is about a zombie that eats books, and he is set loose in a school. Do you think it will end well? Let’s find out!”
Discussion Questions for I Want to Eat Your Books
Here are some follow-up questions for further engagement:
- What did you think? Thumbs up or thumbs down for I Want to Eat Your Books? Why?
- Would you be scared or excited to have a zombie in your school? Why?
- The zombie liked books about brains. What other books do you think a zombie would enjoy reading?
- Would you rather be friends with the zombie or the mummy? Why?
- What do you think happens next? Do you think the school and books will be safe from the monsters?
- Did the zombie take good care of his books? No! Hopefully, you all know NOT to eat books and to keep them away from creatures like dogs and zombies that might eat them. What other ways can we keep books safe from harm and take good care of them?
Extension Activities for I Want to Eat Your Books
Zombie Bookmarks Craft
Construction paper, scissors, and glue are all that’s needed to make these awesome zombie bookmarks. See the blog Parenting Chaos for detailed instructions. I like to precut the “arrow” shaped bookmark base ahead of time to make distribution and assembly quicker. This craft is great for grades 2 and up.
Book Care Bookmarks
For grades K-1, I prefer these coloring bookmarks. Print the bookmarks on cardstock and cut them out ahead of time. Distribute the bookmarks and crayons or colored pencils, and let the students decorate til their hearts’ content or take them home to enjoy later. You can purchase the bookmark template shown above for $2 from the Books and Bytes shop on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Take-Home Activity for I Want to Eat Your Books
In addition to the bookmark crafts mentioned above, send home an activity that will remind students of your visit. Use this adorable Mummy Sitting with Magic Book coloring page from MondayMandala.com or search online for your favorite monster reading coloring page. On the back of the sheet, include a note for parents and caregivers with your library’s contact information, read-alikes for the story you read, and a list of upcoming library events tailored to their age group. Providing an extension activity for students to enjoy after you leave will cement your visit in their minds and increase the likelihood that caregivers become aware of the library.
Read-Alikes for I Want to Read Your Books
If your readers loved I Want to Read Your Books, they will also enjoy:
Visit The Youth Desk’s Outreach page for more great classroom read-alouds and tips.
