The Nightwood

The Nightwood

by Robin Muller

Summary: Retells the Celtic folktale of Tamlynne, a young knight in the court of the Elfin Queen, and Elaine, who is enticed into a nearby wood and, once inside, meets and falls in love with the young knight.

This book has beautiful, though often eerie, llustrations. This dark romance is a lengthy picture book. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and recommend it to anyone in fourth grade or older who enjoys dark fairytales and love stories. I do not think this book is appropriate for younger children because of its length and because they may find it frightening. However, I found the love story component does not contain objectionable material.

Interest Level: grades 4-6, grades 7-8
Reading Level: grade 5

Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly

Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly

by Carolyn Parkhurst

Summary: Five-year-old Henry, along with his two-year-old sister, pretends to make waffles on a make-believe television show.

This is an amusing story, especially for anyone who has had a younger sibling interfere with their plans. I would use it simply for entertainment, perhaps using different voices for the sibling, but it can also be used to discuss why older siblings do not always want to play with younger children.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Thumb Love

Thumb Love

 by Elise Primavera

Summary: Unable to kick her thumb-sucking habit, Lulu develops a twelve-step program to help.

Although this story is strange, some may find it funny and entertaining. This book may be useful to parents teaching their children not to suck their thumb.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Librarianjk recommends Hero Dad

Hero Dad

by Melinda Hardin

Summary: A child demonstrates that while Dad differs from a traditional superhero, as an American soldier he is a superhero of a different kind.

This simple story is appropriate for young children who ask about their fathers who are in the military. I think it would be a better story if it was about mothers in the military as well.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

New Year's Reads

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Librarianjk recommends Mr. President Goes to School by Rick Walton

Mr. President Goes to School

by Rick Walton

Summary: When the President finds the many pressures of his job to be overwhelming, he disguises himself and returns to kindergarten, where he is reminded of the important lessons he learned there.

This silly story is spectacular for discussing “getting along.” It is also appropriate for discussing that while some children wish they could grow up fast, sometimes grown ups want to be children again!

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Librarianjk recommends Christmas with the Mousekins

Christmas with the Mousekins

by Maggie Smith

Summary: A mouse family tells stories, bakes cookies, makes crafts, and more as they prepare for Christmas. Includes directions for each of the crafts and recipes for cookies.

This book is adorable with beautiful detailed pictures. The story is on the longer side, but a young child with a longer than average attention span would love it. In addition to the story, the pages include both new poems and twists on old songs.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

La Noche Buena: A Christmas Story

La Noche Buena: A Christmas Story

by Antonio Sacre

Summary: While spending Christmas with her Cuban American grandmother in Miami, Florida, young Nina misses her usual New England holiday but enjoys learning about the foods and other traditions her father knew as a child.

This picture book is fantastic for discussing different cultures and Christmas around the world. It is lengthy and most appropriate for older readers.

Interest Level: grades K-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Elephants Can Paint, Too!

Elephants Can Paint, Too!

by Katya Arnold

Summary: In this true story, you will learn about an amazing class of elephants that are taught to become artists by an amazing teacher.

When I first came across this book, my first thought was “I am sure they can, but is it entirely necessary to teach them this skill?” After reading this outstanding book, I learned that this began for a reason and some elephants love it! Part of the profits of this book is donated to helping elephants.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Alphabeasties and Other Amazing Types

Alphabeasties and Other Amazing Types

by Sharon Werner

Summary: An illustrated alphabet book for early readers that composes images of animals using only the first letter of its name.

This is an unusual alphabet book. Each page has a letter shown in different ways. This book may be a tool for teaching students who are confused by, or have trouble reading, different fonts.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Polar Opposites

Polar Opposites

by Erik Brooks

Summary: Ambrose, a polar bear, and Zina, a penguin, are very different but they can still find ways to meet in the middle.

This is an adorable book about how despite differences, animals, or people can be friends. I also like it because as a child I was confused between the “North Pole” and Antarctica.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Kwanzaa Reads

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Librarianjk recommends Hugless Douglas

Hugless Douglas

by David Melling

Summary: Douglas the bear wakes up one morning wanting a hug. He unsuccesffully tries hugging a rock, a tall tree, and an odd-feeling bush that runs away. Won't anyone give him a hug?

This is a sweet story that could be used to teach children when it is appropriate to hug someone and that people you love, such as in your family, are the best people to hug. I taught special education and that was a hard concept for some students up to age 21 to understand! I especially like the last two pages that show different types of hugs including the “unrequited hug.” It does not, however, include the “side hug,” which is when someone puts his or her arm around another person’s shoulder and gives a gentle squeeze. As a compromise, “side hugs” were what one teacher in the special school allowed a student to give only after asking if it was okay with the other person.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Bink and Gollie

Bink and Gollie

 by Kate DiCamillo

Summary: Two roller-skating best friends – one tiny, one tall – share three comical adventures involving outrageously bright socks, an impromptu trek to the Andes, and a most unlikely marvelous companion.

This splendid book won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, a prestigious award for easy readers (sometimes called beginning readers). I can confidently say that I would have enjoyed this book when I began reading right along with Dr. Seuss books. Do not be overwhelmed by the size of the book! It is mostly illustrations with little text on each page. The book is repetitive and uses mostly words that beginning readers are learning or who have learned. For an extra challenge and to keep things interesting, the authors occasionally throw in larger words, such as “marvelous.”

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

The Field Guide

The Field Guide

by Tony DiTerlizzi

Summary: When the Grace children go to stay at their Great Aunt Lucinda's worn Victorian house, they discover a field guide to fairies and other creatures and begin to have some unusual experiences.

This book is a little slow in the beginning; therefore, I would not recommend it to reluctant readers. Those who enjoy reading fantasy will enjoy this book and will find the second book more of a fast-paced treat. 

Interest Level: grades 3-6
Reading Level: grade 4

Librarianjk recommends Zooborns

Zooborns: The Newest, Cutest Animals From the

World's Zoos and Aquariums

by Andrew Bleiman

Summary: ZooBorns features the newest and cutest exotic animal babies from accredited zoos and aquariums around the world.

I love this book! There is nothing like a cute baby animal to cheer me up. This book’s vibrant photographs make it excellent for reading to the very young and for new readers to read independently. The last pages include more facts about the animals in the book.

Interest Level: infants, ages 2-4, grades K-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Saint George and the Dragon

Saint George and the Dragon

by Margaret Hodges

Summary: Retells the segment from Spenser's The Faerie Queene, in which George, the Red Cross Knight, slays the dreadful dragon that has been terrorizing the countryside for years and brings peace and joy to the land.

The detailed, vivid illustrations in this book are stunning. I recommend this book to anyone who likes knight and dragon stories. I do not recommend this book as a read-aloud or for reading to the very young. The book’s size is deceptive; it is a long story.

Interest Level: grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 6

Librarianjk recommends Moon Child

Moon Child

by Nadia Krilanovich

Summary: A child imagines being able to touch and whisper to the moon.

This book has glorious illustrations and is fantastic for reading to young children before bed.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Christmas Reads

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Librarianjk recommends Children Make Terrible Pets

Children Make Terrible Pets

by Peter Brown

Summary: When Lucy, a young bear, discovers a boy lost in the woods, she asks her mother if she can have him as a pet, only to find him impossible to train.

This is a humorous book can be used to discuss appropriate behavior for children at home and at school.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Betsy Red Hoodie

Betsy Red Hoodie

by Gail Carson Levine

Summary: In this variation of "Little Red Riding Hood," Betsy Red Hoodie goes to visit her grandma with her friend Zimmo the wolf and her flock of sheep, but Zimmo, her mother, and her grandma have a surprise planned.

This is a great fractured fairytale that can be used to discuss stereotypes.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

by Lewis Carroll

Summary: By falling down a rabbit hole, Alice experiences unusual adventures with a variety of nonsensical characters.   

This classic book is still an appealing fantasy today for young children and grade school students. The nonsense extends beyond the Disney cartoon and humorous for its strangeness.

Interest Level: grades k-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 6

Librarianjk recommends Art and Max

Art and Max

by David Wiesner

Summary: Max wants to be an artist like Arthur, but his first attempt at using a paintbrush sends the two friends on a whirlwind trip through various media, with unexpected consequences.

The alluring illustrations for this book add to this comical and unique story. This would be super to use before an art class or to discuss creativity.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 1

Librarianjk recommends Fair Cow

Fair Cow

by Leslie Helakoski

Summary: Effie the cow dreams of winning a blue ribbon at the state fair, while her best friend Petunia the pig advises her to give up all that she truly enjoys in order to prepare for the big day.

This is a spectacular book for discussing individuality and the idea that people do not have to change themselves in order to be fabulous!

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends The Three Pigs

The Three Pigs

by David Wiesner

Summary: The three pigs escape the wolf by going into another world where they meet the cat and the fiddle, the cow that jumped over then moon, and a dragon.

This is a superb fractured fairytale. I recommend it to anyone who likes fairytales told in a new way. This book can also be used to encourage students to create work inspired by other works.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Winter Solstice Reads

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Librarianjk recommends Ugly Pie

Ugly Pie

 by Lisa Wheeler

ummary: After baking a scrumptious ugly pie, made from ingredients donated by his neighbors, Ol' Bear invites everyone over for a slice. Includes pie recipe.

This is a fantastic book for reading aloud because of its repetitive nature. It would also be wonderful for reading before a cooking lesson, especially if making a pie or following the pie recipe at the back of the book.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Construction Countdown

Construction Countdown

by K.C. Olson

Summary: Introduces numbers and subtraction as the reader counts construction equipment from ten to one.

This book is super for young children who love trucks and are learning numbers.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Henri, Egg Artiste

Henri, Egg Artiste

by Marcus Pfister

Summary: Tired of painting the same old Easter eggs, Henri the rabbit decides that as an artist he needs to create something different and takes his inspiration from various periods of art history.

This is a neat book. It can be used to introduce an art class for intermediate level students. A teacher could discuss either the idea of painting from inspiration of other artists or following your own heart.

Interest Level: grades 4-6
Interest Level: grade 4

Librarianjk recommends Shadow

Shadow

by Blaise Cendrars

Summary: Free verse evocation of the eerie, shifting images of Shadow which represents the beliefs and ghosts of the past and is brought to life wherever there is light, fire, and a storyteller.

This book has eerie but beautiful illustrations. I recommend this tale to older readers interested in folk tales or fairytales that do not involve princesses or fairies. I can not help but wonder if the “Shadow Man” from Disney’s The Frog and the Prince was inspired by this tale.

Interest Level: grades K-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends A Pirate's Guide to First Grade

A Pirate's Guide to First Grade

by James Preller

Summary: A young pirate and his crew embark on a grand adventure when they board the bus for the first day of first grade.

This is an awesome pirate book! I recommend it to anyone who like likes the way pirates spoke. This may be a little confusing for the very young, but there is a vocabulary section in the back for all pirate terms mentioned.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Balancing Act

Balancing Act

by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Summary: Two mice have fun playing on a teeter-totter, but as more and larger friends join them, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay balanced.

This is a precious book that would be wonderful to read to a child before using a balancing beam or for an introduction to a basic measuring activity.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 1

Hanukkah Reads

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Librarainjk recommends Disappearing Desmond

Disappearing Desmond

by Anna Alter

Summary: Desmond is so skilled at disappearing that sometimes even his teacher cannot find him but when he meets Gloria, a new student at school, his attitude slowly changes.

This is a remarkable book for attending school for the first time or discussing shyness.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends The Taming of Lola

The Taming of Lola: A Shrew Story

by Ellen Weiss

Summary: Lola, a shrew, is famous all over West Meadow for her temper tantrums, but when her cousin Lester comes for a visit and gets special treatment just because he demands it, Lola begins to rethink her behavior.

This is a fabulous, detailed picture book loosely base on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Though it is lengthy, it is humorous and it appropriate for discussing misbehaving.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Librarainjk recommends Phileas's Fortune: A Story About Self-expression

Phileas's Fortune : A Story About Self-expression

by Agnés de Lestrade

Summary: A young boy lives in a strange land where people must buy and swallow the words they need in order to speak.

This book is unique and somewhat abstract. It is clearly meant to have a deep meaning. It reminds me of adult dystopias where love conquers all. This book includes a note suggesting its use in teaching values.

Interest Level: grades K-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 4

Librarianjk recommends Ballet for Martha

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring

by Jan Greenberg

Summary: Tells the story behind the creation of "Appalachian Spring," describing Aaron Copland's composition, Martha Graham's intense choreography and Isamu Noguchi's set design

I recommend this book to older readers who are dancers or enjoy ballet. It is lengthy about the entire process of the creation of a ballet.

Interest Level: grades 3-6, grades 7-8
Reading Level: grade 5

Librarianjk recommends Black and White

Black and White

by David Macaulay

Summary: Four brief "stories" about parents, trains, and cows, or is it really all one story? The author recommends careful inspection of words and pictures to both minimize and enhance confusion.

This is an intriguing book. I could see this book enticing reluctant readers or confusing them to frustration. It can be used to discuss paying close attention to details.

Interest Level: grades k-3, grades 3-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Down by the Bay

Down by the Bay

by Raffi

Summary: Down by the bay two young friends make up fantastic rhymes trying to top the other.

This book is marvelous! This was the first book my sister and brother read in first grade. The teacher sent home a note informing parents that students may not really be reading it but memorizing it from the song. She said at that point of the year it was okay, but to encourage the children to identify the words that they sang on the page. At the end of the first quarter, they acted out this song for their families. I remember my brother was a llama eating his pajamas. This book is available in paperback and board book. The melody notes are provided at the back of the book.

Interest Level: age 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

If you like the Percy Jackson Series you might like...

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Librarianjk recommends Little Pink Pup

Little Pink Pup

by Johanna Kerby

Pink, a piglet who is the runt of the litter, is adopted by Tink, a dachshund who is nursing a litter of her own, and Pink is raised in the house along with the puppies.

Interspecies friendships are one of the most amazing concepts to me in life. Photographs of such friends make me say, “aww” no matter where I am. The author dedicated the book “to all the children who think that they are different from the rest of their families. Just remember your family loves you just the way you are.” Without this dedication, I would not have realized how appropriate this book is to use for children who have immediate family in more than one location. If you enjoy this book, I recommend the Owen and Mzee books and Tarra and Bella.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends The Boss Baby

The Boss Baby

by Marla Frazee

Summary: From the moment he arrives, it is obvious that the new baby is boss and he gets whatever he wants, from drinks made-to-order around the clock to his executive gym.

This is a humorous story that is appropriate simply for entertainment.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins

by Scott O'Dell

Summary: Records the courage and self-reliance of an Indian girl who lived alone for eighteen years on an isolated island off the California coast when her tribe emigrated and she was left behind.

I recommend this Newbery winner to survival story fans.

Interest Level: grades 4-6, grades 7-8
Reading Level: grade 5

Librarianjk recommends Eight Days: A Story of Haiti

Eight Days: A Story of Haiti

by Edwidge Danticat

Summary: Junior tells of the games he played in his mind during the eight days he was trapped in his house after the devastating January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Includes author's note about Haitian children before the earthquake and her own children's reactions to the disaster.

This story is not only about the tragedy of the earthquakes in Haiti during January 2010, but the power of imagination to overcome obstacles. This book is also a celebration of what Haiti was before the earthquake, and what it may be again. I would not recommend this to a young child to read independently, but with an adult’s assistance it could be a valuable tool to discuss tragedy and history.

Interest Level: grades K-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Last Song

Last Song: A Poem

 by James Guthrie

Summary: A squirrel family spends the day together--waking, playing, and nestling down to sleep under the eye of a watchful parent. Based on an old Scottish poem.

This book is wonderful for babies because it has very little text and vibrant illustrations. It is also appropriate to read to preschool age children before bed.

Interest Level: infants, ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

Me and You

Me and You

by Anthony Browne

Summary: An urban retelling of the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears story, told from the baby bear's perspective.

This delightful fractured fairytale has a wordless Goldilocks story with realistic looking illustrations on the left side of each page. I enjoyed that Goldilocks is more of a red head than the usual bleach blonde girl I was exposed to as a child. On the right side of the page is baby bear’s story with cartoonish illustrations.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Young Advanced Reader: Books appropriate for students grade 3-5 who read on a grade 7+ level

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All the Seasons of the Year

by Deborah Lee Rose

Summary: Describes in rhymed text how a mother cat's love for her kitten will last through the seasons of a lifetime.

This is a sweet story that is appropriate for bedtime and discussing the seasons of the year with young children.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Chicken Big

Chicken Big

by Keith Graves

Summary: A giant chicken hatches from an enormous egg, but the other chickens cannot accept that he is one of them.

This wild and crazy spin on Chicken Little is appropriate for fractured fairy tale discussions. It may also be used to discuss prejudices, assumptions, and for pure humorous entertainment.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3