Leo Lionni – Blackbird and Company

Frederick did not help his family work.
Because the farmers moved away, the barn was abandoned and the granary stood empty.
Frederick and his family lived in an old stone wall.
The mice family was gathering supplies for the winter.
Frederick gathered sunrays, colors and words.
Frederick gathered color because winter is gray.
Frederick gathered words so they would not run out of things to say.
After the first snow, the mice hid their hideout in the stones.
When the food was plentiful, the mice family told stories of foolish foxes and silly cats.
After the food supply was gone, the mice did not feel like chatting.
When the mice had eaten all of their food they asked Frederick to share his supplies of colors and words.
In the end, Frederick’s family applauded him and said, “you are a poet.”

The speed boat was very swift as it raced the other boats.
In the small mountain village, the cathedral was the largest building.
My mom suggested I nibble on the cookie to make it last longer.
As they looked through their telescopes, astronomers discover new stars and planets.
Grandma’s brownies are so tender, they practically melt in your mouth.

The snails moved from leaf to leaf, carrying their houses, looking for a spot to nibble on.
The little snail told his father he wanted the biggest house in the world.
The little snail’s father told him that sometimes small is best.
The snail’s father told him a story of what happened when a little snail, just like him, wanted to have the biggest house in the world.
When little snail twisted and twitched, he discovered how to make his house grow.
By moving his tail, the little snail learned to grow large pointed bulges.
By squeezing and pushing and wishing, he was able to add bright colors and beautiful designs.
He was proud and happy because he knew his house was the biggest and most beautiful house in the whole world.
Two butterflies in the swarm could not agree whether the snail was a cathedral or a circus.
The family of frogs told some cousins that they saw a snail that looked like a birthday cake.
When the snails had eaten all of the cabbage leaves and moved on to the next, the little snail could not move because his house was too heavy.
After listening to the story, the little snail decided to keep his own house small so he could go wherever he pleased.

Milton, Rupert, and Lydia quarreled from dawn to dusk.
The frogs did not want to share the water, earth, or air.
Because Milton, Rupert, and Lydia were so loud, the large toad was bothered.
After the toad left, the three frogs argued about the worm.
When the rainstorm disturbed the island, the frogs were scared.
During the storm, Milton, Lydia and Rupert felt better when they shared the same fears and hopes.
When the rain stopped, the three frogs realized that the stone that saved them was the toad.
After the rain, Milton, Rupert, and Lydia jumped into the pond and swam side by side around the island.
The three frogs felt happy when they worked together.
In the end the three frogs realized that it is better to share.

The wedding dress that belonged to her great-grandmother was precious to her.
When I won the tennis match, I knew my little brother would envy my trophy.
The cold wind made me quiver all over.
With no special plans, this weekend will be very ordinary.
Kelly felt fantastic after getting an A+ on her exam.

When Alexander looked for food, people would become scared and chase him with a broom.
When Alexander heard a squeak in Annie’s room, he discovered a toy mouse.
Alexander visited Willy as often as possible.
Willy was happy because he was loved.
Alexander was happy because he found a friend.
Alexander envied Willy because he was cuddled and loved.
Willy told Alexander a strange story about a magic lizard who could change one animal into another.
Alexander wanted the lizard to change him into a wind-up mouse.
The lizard would change Alexander in exchange for a purple pebble.
Alexander was surprised to find Willy in a box filled with old toys that would be thrown away.
Alexander took the purple pebble to the lizard and asked that Willy be turned to a real mouse.
When Alexander found Willy, they danced until dawn.

All of Swimmy’s brothers and sisters were red, but the was black.
A tuna swallowed all the red fish, but Swimmy escaped.
Though Swimmy was sad, he discovered the sea was full of wonderful creatures.
Swimmy saw jellyfish, a lobster, and a forest of seaweeds.
Swimmy saw sea anemones that looked like pink palm trees.
In the dark shade of rocks, Swimmy found a school of little fish.
He invited the fish to go swim, play, and see things.
Sadly, the little fish were scared of being eaten.
After thinking about the problem, Swimmy, came up with an idea.
He suggested that he and the fish should swim together to look like the biggest fish in the sea.
Swimmy taught the fish to swim close together so they would look like one giant fish.
With Swimmy as the eye, they chased the big fish away.