Today's Reading Response Assignment

This year, a group of teachers (and our principal) formed an after-school reading and discussion club. We read The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller. Since then, I have changed the way I teach reading, and have seen more growth with my students than ever before (did I mention that I am a Special Ed. teacher and some of my students began the year as basically non-readers?). Since I am not using a graded "reader", complete with worksheets and quizes, I have had to come up with my own activities. It has been both enjoyable and challenging to come up with activities which are valid yet within the ability of my students.

Today the students were to select a picture book, either one they have read this year or a new one which they read today, and write a new ending for it. All year, I have used a version of "Little Red Riding Hood" from our LRC as my example in modeling a new reading response assignment. The students loved making up outlandish alternate endings for this familiar story. Some of the students needed help in choosing a suitable book, and some needed help in brainstorming possible endings. They are presenting the new ending in a cartoon format. However, I am not satisfied with the cartoon programs that I can find--too limiting or too complicated. Any suggestions?