"Good morning, class. Today we are going to learn about Earthlets." In this way Dr Xargle, our friendly alien teacher, begins to teach his class about humans and babies. This is a hysterically funny book, with a particularly wry look at the way we bring up babies: look out for the 'egg-mangle' - will you ever want to eat egg again?

"Good morning, class. Today we are going to learn about Earth Hounds. Earth Hounds have fangs at the front and a waggler at the back. To find out which is which, hold a sausage at both ends." Dr Xargle is instructing his class of small fellow aliens on the nature and habits of the earth creatures known to us as dogs.

TEACH YOUR STUDENTS TO READ WITH PRECISION AND INSIGHT The world we are preparing our students to succeed in is one bound together by words and phrases. Our students learn their literature, history, math, science, or art via a firm foundation of strong reading skills. When we teach students to read with precision, rigor, and insight, we are truly handing over the key to the kingdom. Of all the subjects we teach reading is first among equals. Grounded in advice from effective classrooms nationwide, enhanced with more than 40 video clips, Reading Reconsidered takes you into the trenches with actionable guidance from real-life educators and instructional champions. The authors address the anxiety-inducing world of Common Core State Standards, distilling from those standards four key ideas that help hone teaching practices both generally and in preparation for assessments. This 'Core of the Core' comprises the first half of the book and instructs educators on how to teach students to: read harder texts, 'closely read' texts rigorously and intentionally, read nonfiction more effectively, and write more effectively in direct response to texts. The second half of Reading Reconsidered reinforces these principles, coupling them with the 'fundamentals' of reading instruction—a host of techniques and subject specific tools to reconsider how teachers approach such essential topics as vocabulary, interactive reading, and student autonomy. Reading Reconsidered breaks an overly broad issue into clear, easy-to-implement approaches. Filled with practical tools, including: 44 video clips of exemplar teachers demonstrating the techniques and principles in their classrooms (note: for online access of this content, please visit my.teachlikeachampion.com) Recommended book lists Downloadable tips and templates on key topics like reading nonfiction, vocabulary instruction, and literary terms and definitions. Reading Reconsidered provides the framework necessary for teachers to ensure that students forge futures as lifelong readers.

For 4-10 year olds -- Education Services, Wellington, N.Z.

Dr Xargle, the green alien school teacher is attempting the hot topic of Earth relations and his views are as refreshing, remarkable and idiosyncratic as ever! Here we learn that Brother Earthlets are smelly, sticky and dangerous, while Sister Earthlets are shy, sneaky and give piercing shrieks.

The alien Professor Xargle explains all about Earth Tigerlets, known on this planet as felines.

Two children who desperately need to go try to figure out why there is such a long line for the bathroom.