Michael Garland books (author)

Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook by Michael Garland, Dutton Children's Books, 2003, ISBN 0-525-47133-2. Storybook characters come to life as the reacher reads the books.
Imagination, storytelling

Miss Smith and the Haunted Library, Dutton, 2009, 978-0-525-42139-9.
Miss Smith's class takes a field trip to the library. Spooky characters come out of the "incredible storybook". Good for kindergartners at Halloween.

Miss Smith Reads Again, Dutton, 2006, 0-525-47722-5. This story takes the class to the land of dinosaurs.

See Michael Garland's website.

Americana Adventure, Dutton, 2008, 978-0-525-47945-1. TWO STARS.
From School Library Journal: "Grade 1–6—This book takes the search-and-find game to a new level, providing a fun entry into history. An opening rhyme gives readers an overview of all they're meant to find on these animated pages. They are asked to count the Uncle Sam hats, find the bald eagles, and identify all of the presidents. The faces of other famous Americans are also identifiable, such as Babe Ruth, Elvis, and Henry Ford. The final two pages list all of the individuals depicted, the authors of various quotes, and clues to the puzzles. The book is set up like a treasure hunt. Each page focuses on a new sight, be it a city such as New York, Boston, or San Francisco, or a place—a ballpark, a rodeo, or Mount Rushmore. The illustrations are delightful, full of energy, color, and thoughtful composition. They are jumbled but not random. Most of the people have cartoon faces, but interspersed among them as part of the crowd are true-to-life portraits—Louis Armstrong plays his horn on a riverboat and John Wayne watches the rodeo. This could be a treasured stepping stone to a greater understanding of American culture and history."
US travel, history and historic sites. US customs and social life. A must have*****Suggested for grades 3-4 in a geography/America lesson.

The President and Mom's Apple Pie, Dutton, 2002, 0-525-46887-0
President Taft comes to town and ends up eating in various (ethnic) resturants before he finally finds the sweet-smelling home-baked apple pie. Mentions "Hail to the Chief" and "Camptown Races". Good for grade 2 to incorporate music and Presidents.

Mystery Mansion, Dutton, 2001, 0-525-46675-4. Involves puzzles and clues, but not great for a read-aloud.