Gooney Bird on the Map by Lois Lowry Page B

states, bowed. The audience applauded. The yellow school buses had lined up along the curb beside the playground. People began making their way toward the buses. Mr. Furillo prodded Bruno awake and attached a leash to his collar. Mrs. Clancy unplugged the microphone cord, which gave a final small screech. "Good job, sound-effects people," she said to the three Bs.
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    "Thank you," they said, but their voices were unenthusiastic.
    "That's no fair," Barry complained as he walked past Gooney Bird. "I have to be in Hawaii! I'll miss your party!"
    "Yeah," grumbled Ben, coming up beside them. "My family's making me go to Vermont!"
    Beanie plodded past them. "I'm missing all the good stuff," she said in a grouchy voice, "just because of dumb Disney World."
    "We'll think of you as we eat our cookies," Gooney Bird told them. "We'll be sad for you. We'll have a moment of silence."
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    The End

Read more about Gooney Bird in these books by Lois Lowry:

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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Books Discussion Guide
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Gooney Bird Greene
by Lois Lowry
illustrated by Middy Thomas
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    About the series:
    Gooney Bird is not your average second-grader. First there are her marvelous outfits— like the pajamas and cowboy boots she wore on her first day at Watertown Elementary. But there are also the amazing stories she tells and her excellent ability to accessorize all while being a good friend. Join Mrs. Pidgeon's classroom and learn along with Gooney Bird and her colorful classmates.
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    About the author and illustrator:
    The two-time Newbery Award-winning author Lois Lowry has been friends with the illustrator, Middy Thomas, for many years. They laughed so much and for so long while working on the Gooney Bird Greene books they had a hard time getting completed! They are thrilled to share these books with children.
Gooney Bird Greene

    Gooney Bird Greene
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    DISCUSSION GUIDE:
Describe Gooney Bird Greene. How would she fit into your class? Do you, like Gooney Bird, like to be "smack dab in the middle of everything"?
Mrs. Pidgeon's class is talking about how to write or tell a good story. What do all stories need?
What makes Gooney Bird Greene a great storyteller? Is there a difference between good storytelling and good writing?
Which of the stories that Gooney Bird tells is your favorite? Why?
Who are the main characters in this story? How do you get to know them?
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    As you read
Gooney Bird Greene
complete the following graphic organizer based on the stories that she tells.

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    Project:
    Find out the story of how you got your name. Then, as a class, take turns sharing your stories. Be sure that each one has all the important parts of a story!
Gooney Bird and the Room Mother

    DISCUSSION GUIDE:
What holiday is Mrs. Pidgeon's class preparing for?
What problem does Mrs. Pidgeon's class have? How does Gooney Bird Greene solve it?
Would you like to have a lead role in a play or not? Why?
How did the second grade class get new dictionaries?
Do you know how to look up words in a dictionary? Give three tips on how to find words.
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    There are lots of new words in this Gooney Bird book! As you read, color or place a check mark in the box that best describes how well you know the word.

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    Project:
    Try to use three of the new words from the list above in the next week. Be prepared to share an example of when you used them with the class! Or, illustrate the meaning of three of the words.
Gooney the Fabulous

    DISCUSSION GUIDE:
What is a fable? What animal would you choose to write a fable about? What animal name starts with the same letter as your name? What lesson or moral would you try to teach?
Barry says that having a teddy bear is a "baby thing." How do Mrs. Pidgeon and the class set him straight? Do you have a special animal too?
How did the second graders in Mrs. Pidgeon's class help Beanie and Barry to revise their fables? What did each of them need?
How did the Chihuahua fable have an open (or ambiguous)