I Want a Party!

by Tony Ross

Summary: Little Princess discovers that she can have a lovely party with just one guest.

A new addition to the A Little Princess Story series, this book is entertaining. I did not like this book in beginning because of the princess’ demanding behavior. However, the ending has a very nice message.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

What to Expect When You're Expecting Joeys:

A Guide for Marsupial Parents

by Bridget Heos

Summary: Explains the life cycle of marsupials using the format of a question-and-answer guide written about human pregnancy.

Although this book contains cartoon like illustrations and is written as if speaking to marsupial parents, you may find this book in the nonfiction section of your library. The true intended audience is children seeking information about marsupials. I recommend this book to advanced primary grade readers. However, it may be appreciated by older elementary students who are interested in the subject matter. I enjoyed the humorous elements of this story.

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

If You Give a Dog a Donut

by Laura Numeroff

Summary: Chaos might ensue if you were to give a dog a donut.

From the author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and many other title’s beginning with “If you give a,” this story continues the formulaic format of the series. Parents may tire of the same premise, but young children enjoy consistency and predictability. The dog desires to do things that other lead animals in the “If you give a” series have not done.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

Follow the Line to School

by Laura Ljungkvist

Summary: Children learn about a typical day at school as they follow simple line drawings through the school yard, up the steps, and into the building.

This book is most appropriate for preparing a child for kindergarten or on the first day of kindergarten. The text asks questions about the detailed illustrations. For example, it asks how many items are on the page or what color is on a paintbrush. For this reason, the book is great for reading one-on-one with a child who is well on his /her way to mastering such concepts as colors and counting.

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

Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus

by John Grandits

Summary: Before Kyle rides a school bus for the first time, his older brother gives him a list of rules he must follow, but after breaking every single one the first day, Kyle discovers the rule his brother left out. (Catchy summary!)

This is a humorous read for parents to share with children who are having school anxiety. This book is not ideal for reading aloud because of its length and occasional use of crude words.

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

Welcome Winter: Picture Books

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Home for Christmas by Jan Brett

Summary: Rollo the troll is tired of chores, but after spending time on the tundra with various animal families, from owls to moose, he realizes that he wants to be home for Christmas even if that means behaving himself.

This is a cute story about appreciating what one has in life, including family. It is also a great story for discussing selfishness or helping others. I liked that the reader must draw some conclusions for themselves from Jan Brett’s usual beautiful illustrations. Especially when read one-on-one to a child, the illustrations can make the book very interactive. A reader can ask questions such as, “What do you see here? What do you think that means? Why do you think is happening in the picture?”

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3

Michael Hague's Family Christmas Treasury  

by Michael Hague

Summary: Includes stories, poems, and music associated with Christmas.

The beautiful classic illustrations work well with the traditional songs. I especially cared for the illustrations of rabbits and other animals. I found the note at the end of the note about the history of songs contained in the book fascinating. Older children may find the note interesting, also.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3 

Only the Mountains Do Not Move: A Maasai Story of Culture and Conservation

by Jan Reynolds

Summary: A photographic essay about the Maasai people in Kenya, explores the contemporary challenges they face, focusing on environmental changes such as the overgrazing of land and the threat of wildlife extinction, and how the Maasai are adapting their agricultural practices and lifestyle while preserving their culture.

This is a fascinating nonfiction book. In addition to information, the text includes wise proverbs of the Maasai culture. Most ideal for grades 4-6, the text allows for serious discussions, including how to respect and preserve the Earth. During Black History Month, this book can be used to discuss African culture. This book may be appreciated by mature primary grade students or middle school students interested in culture or environmental students.

Interest Level: grades 4-8
Reading Level: grade 6

A Wish for Elves

by Mark Gonyea

Summary: A picture book in which a boy makes a wish for a little holiday help. He gets more than he bargained for and Santa pays the price.

This book is formatted in a similar fashion to graphic novels. The elves are depicted in an unusual way, but children will enjoy this book for its humorous aspect.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

On the Road

by Susan Steggall

Summary: A mother and her two children make a long trip by carin a story that also illustrates a variety of prepositions.

If you are going on a road trip for the first time with your child, you may want to read this story first! This book will be enjoyed by any young automobile enthusiasts. I enjoyed the illustrator’s use of collage.

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

One Starry Night 

by Lauren Thompson

Summary: As all sorts of animals watch over their young, Mary and Joseph watch over their baby boy, Jesus, in Bethlehem.

This is a wonderful bedtime story, especially during the Christmas season and for celebrating a mother’s love for her offspring. The illustrations of animal and human characters are fantastic; they have pointed features and are heavily outlined in black. Though not a tradition prayer, this rhyming text ends with “amen.”

Interest Level: birth-age 4

Reading Level: grade 1

Welcome Winter: Nonfiction reads for grades 1-3

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A Christmas Spider's Miracle 

by Trinka Hakes Noble

Summary: A poor peasant woman who has no money for gifts or a special meal for her children gets help from a kindly mother spider on Christmas.

This is a heart-warming old Ukrainian tale. The traditionally beautiful paintings compliment the text. The story is somewhat lengthy. I recommend that this book be read one-on-one to a child or independently by an advanced reader.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 5

Listen to the Silent Night 

by Dandi Mackall

Summary: Rhyming text reveals many sounds heard on the night of Jesus' birth, such as the flapping of Joseph's sandals as he walks into Bethlehem, the lowing of a cow in the stable, and the flutter of angels' wings as they proclaim the news.

This story could be called “The Not So Silent Night!” The rhyme scheme is unusual for picture books, but is very well done. The story of this book allows for a light read with a subtle touch of religious education. The dark and vibrant illustrations add to the appeal of reading before bed. 

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Summary: Two children in a small southern town in the l930s are thrust into an adult world of racial bigotry and hatred when their lawyer father chooses to defend a black man charged with raping a white girl.

This book is one of the most frequently banned books of the 20^th century; therefore, it is an excellent book. There is mature content and the story allows for much discussion. However, I do not think it is inappropriate for a secondary education student to read.  I read this story for pleasure in tenth grade. I was very sensitive at that age in comparison to my classmates, but thoroughly enjoyed this book. Honestly, I found other books we discussed in my English class that year much more disturbing. I recommend this story to anyone interested in reading classic literature or understanding the time period in which the book takes place.

Interest Level: young adult

Reading Level: young adult

The Man in the Moon by William Joyce

Summary: When a newly orphaned baby in the moon makes friends with the children of Earth, he begins to shine as brightly as possible to ward off their fears.

This is a fantastically illustrated story. The story is lengthy, and most appropriate for advanced primary age students to read to themselves. Preschool age children with a long attention span may enjoy listening to this read aloud on a one-on-one.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2

 

A Christmas Goodnight 

by Nola Buck

Summary: Illustrations and rhyming text portray characters from the Nativity story, from doves in the stable to the wise men, as they go to sleep on Christmas Eve.

This is a sweet Christmas bedtime book. The illustrations consist of classic, realistic looking cartoons. This book can be used as a break from more heavy Christmas books, but still is a more religious than commercial tale.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2

A Bad Kitty Christmas

by Nick Bruel

Summary: After destroying all of the gifts and decorations at home, Bad Kitty escapes from the car on Christmas Eve and finds a new friend, who helps her learn the true meaning of Christmas.

I love this book! The book contains three alphabetical lists, including naughty things kitty did. The rhyming lists are woven beautifully into this heartwarming story. The text is lengthy, and may be most enjoyed when read one-on-one with a child. Like other books in the Bad Kitty series, this holiday story involves humor.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 4

New Christmas picture books

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Elmer's Christmas 

by David McKee

Summary: Elmer, the patchwork elephant, helps the excited youngsters prepare for the Christmas visit of Papa Red.

This is a wonderful Christmas book for discussing the deeper meanings of the holiday season, especially generosity. The story seems to be going down a predictable path, but the ending has a twist. I have never seen this type of ending to a Christmas story before. This book may be most enjoyed when an adult reads it with a child one-on-one. However, primary school age children may like it as well. There are other Elmer books by David McKee that also address personal characteristics. 

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2

Strega Nona's Gift 

by Tomie dePaola

Summary: Smelling the treats Strega Nona is cooking for her animals for the holidays, Big Anthony can't resist and samples everything, bringing about unexpected consequences.

This is a wonderful tale about generosity. Italian Christmas traditions and other holiday traditions are explored throughout this book. As a read aloud, this book is most appropriate for older primary school children. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 4

Joan of Arc

by Demi

Summary: Presents an illustrated biography of Joan of Arc, from her early vision of Archangel Michael to her military victories, and eventual execution at the stake for heresy.

The illustrations of this book are beautiful, rich illustrations typical of Demi. I like the use of gold and the depictions of characters in this book. The best audience for this book is fourth to sixth graders or older students interested in learning about Joan of Arc. Younger children may not appreciate this story because of its length and sensitive subject matters. However, this story can be used as a springboard into moral discussions.

Interest Level: grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 5

 

Oh, What a Christmas! 

by Michael Garland

Summary: After Santa loses his reindeer midflight on Christmas Eve, he improvises by seeking the help of some barnyard animals to complete his trip.

This original Santa story is slightly off-beat, but humorous. Children will enjoy the bright, vibrant illustrations that make the night come alive.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 4

Snowed Under and Other Christmas Confusions 

by Serge Bloch

Summary: A snow storm the day before Christmas causes a boy many worries, which are not helped by such confusing phrases as: "Don't be a wet blanket" and "That's the way the cookie crumbles."

This is a terrific book for discussing idioms and figures of speech. The story’s light humor makes it a fun read aloud whether it is used as a teaching tool or not. Children who enjoy this holiday treat may enjoy Michael Dahl’s Monster Street series, Tedd Arnold’s Parts series or Amelia Parrish’s Amelia Bedelia series. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 3

Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Seaside Shenanigans

by Chris Monroe

Summary: Chico, the clever monkey, helps his friend Clark, the elephant, (Maybe include an adjective to describe Clark in order to keep it parallel to your description of Chico) solve a problem at a seaside resort.

This is a humorous “who-done-it” mystery. Since it is a fairly lengthy story and written partially in graphic novel format, I do not recommend this book as a group read aloud. This book may be enjoyed by an advanced primary school student who reads it to his/herself, or when read one on one to a younger child. The only flaw in this story is that the clues do not match with the general behavior of the culprit, which makes it difficult to guess which animal did it. This is the newest book in a series.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

Happy Hanukkah!

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My Rhinoceros 

by Jon Agee

Summary: If you should ever get a rhinoceros for a pet, you're in for a surprise. It won't chase a ball, stick, or a Frisbee. In fact, according to the experts, a rhinoceros does only two things: pop balloons and poke holes in kites.

This nonsensical story is of mediocre value. Younger children with a silly sense of humor may enjoy this story. 

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

Itsy-bitsy Babies 

by Margaret Wild

Summary: Rhyming text describes a variety of things babies love to do, including playing peek-a-boo, clapping, and banging a drum.

This is a very cute book. When read aloud, the reader may engage listeners by encouraging them to copy the behaviors of the babies in the story. This book may be helpful to prepare children for the birth of a new sibling. 

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

The Jewel Fish of Karnak

by Graeme Base

Summary: Two thieves, caught stealing from an Egyptian market, are brought before the Cat Pharaoh who agrees to pardon them if they bring back a treasure that was stolen from her. They must not take anything else or get the precious Jewel Fish wet.

This is the coolest picture book I have seen a long time. The back cover contains a movable puzzle. The Cat Pharaoh challenges readers to go to the author’s website with the answers. Even without this feature, the book contains a fantastic fable, and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend this book to any primary grade student and older children who are up for a fun challenge.

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

Happy December!

Celebrate the holidays with a great book!

Christmas is December 25th

Hanukkah starts December 20th

Winter Solstice is December 22nd

Kwanzaa starts December 26th

New Year's Eve is December 31st

Click on the tabs below for previous bibliographies and books

 

Note to authors: Please write more Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve stories! These are the underrepresented holiday books this December.

 

Eli, No! 

by Katie Kirk

Summary: Eli is an adorable dog who likes to get into trouble, and when he eats too much, chases squirrels, or hogs the bed, his family yells, "Eli, no!"

The text of this story is very similar to David Shannon’s No, David! and Good Boy, Fergus. Still, it is sure to be enjoyed by young children and dog lovers. 

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 1

Good Night, Gorilla 

by Peggy Rathmann

Summary: When an unobservant zookeeper goes home locks up for the night, all the animals he thinks he has left behind in the zoo follow him home.

This adorable bed time story is available in different formats including board books and large sized. Caretakers may ask young children to identify all of the zoo animals as the book is read aloud.

Interest Level: birth-age 4

Reading Level: grade 1

 

The Wizard Mouse 

by Dean Morrissey

Summary: A field mouse travels far from his home and helps restore a wizard's magic; thus, saving the kingdom of Muddmoor.

This imaginative adventure is ideal for strong readers in primary school to read to themselves. The vibrant illustrations draw the reader deep into this fantasy. The story’s message of following one’s dreams and being true to oneself is truly inspiring and will captivate any young readers’ heart. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 4

Books with Native American Characters for grades 3-5

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Max's Castle 

by Kate Banks

Summary: When Max finds a box of long-forgotten toys, he builds a kingdom filled with adventures for himself and his two brothers.

This is a fun fantasy book that may be used to explore rhymes and compound words. When read one on one with young children, they may simply pick out the letters on the blocks. If an older child reads this book to his/herself, they may enjoy rearranging the letters on their own. This is the third book in a series.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2

Limelight Larry

by Leigh Hodgkinson

Summary: A peacock called Limelight Larry wants to be the star of the book named for him. But soon other animals are cluttering the pages. When the star finally has his moment in the spotlight, what has happened to all his friends?

This is a comedic story about friendship, arrogance, and sharing. This book is best read one on one with a child who is experiencing difficulties in these character areas, but it is also a fun read aloud for primary age children. If a child is starting to get lost in the dialogue, he/she will be drawn back in by the beautiful spread of our peacock star.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

11 Experiments That Failed

 by Jenny Offill

Summary: A young child tries a series of wacky experiments, such as seeing if a piece of bologna will fly like a frisbee and determining whether seedlings will grow if watered with expensive perfume, and then must suffer the consequences of experiments gone awry.

This story is hysterically funny. This book would be an excellent read aloud before a science fair. A teacher could discuss with students what is an appropriate science project and what is not in a humorous manner.

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

The Basket Ball

 by Esme Raji Codell

Summary: After the boys won't let her join in their basketball game, Lulu decides to host a Basket Ball, where girls from all over come to participate and, with Lulu as captain, end up forming a special team.

This is fantastic book for discussing gender roles. I admire Lulu’s personality. I am happy that authors, such as Codell, have recently tackled stereotypical gender roles by showing that some girls and boys like a little bit of “girlish” AND “boyish” activities. As a child, I felt we were taught that some girls do boyish things and some girls do boyish things. Teachers told us that this is okay and we were to accept that. No one discussed that a girl, like Lulu, can be a basketball star and enjoy sequins. This story is in rhyme with many cute puns and is an ideal read aloud. However, I do not recommend reading this book to very young children because of the text’s advanced basketball vocabulary. There is a glossary at the end of the book with such terms that may be helpful to elementary children that read this book independently.

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

Oprah: The Little Speaker

by Carole Boston Weatherford

Summary: Documents the disadvantaged but loving preschool and elementary school years of the Emmy-winning talk-show host, describing how as a toddler she performed in churches before adoring crowds and spent time on the family farm.

This book is a short biography with fairly simple language. It is appropriate for discussing the will to succeed and overcoming hardships. The story addresses Christian beliefs; therefore, a reader should asses if it is appropriate to share this book with his/her audience before doing so.

Interest Level: grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 4

The Game of Mix-up Art

by Hervé Tullet

Summary: Presents colorful paintings on split pages to allow young readers to mix up the pictures to make new artistic creations.

This book contains pages that are cut. Hence, the illustrations on each page can be changed when parts of the pages are turned. I did not especially care for this book, but I suppose it may be valuable in developing an interest of books in young children.

Interest Level: birth-age 4

Happy Islamic New Year: Books on Muslim celebrations

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Baby Animal Pets 

 by Kingfisher Publishing

Summary: From the guinea pig hiding in his hay, to the smiling puppy, the fluffy kitten, the fledgling parrots, the hamster, rabbit, and the teetering foal, young readers will see a whole new side of these favorite animal companions.

I love this book! The photographs of animals are adorable. Young children who like animals are sure to enjoy this book.

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 1

I Like Vegetables

by Lorena Siminovich

Summary: An introduction to several different vegetables and also to the concept of opposites.

This is a super board book to share with very young children. There are one or two words on each page; a child does not need to have a large attention span in order to enjoy this book. The textured illustrations make this book ideal for any child who likes to hold books or touch the pages. For preschool age children, this book is great to introduce the concept of opposites.

Interest Level: age 0-4

Reading Level: grade 1

Learning to Swim 

 by Clare Chambers

Summary: Abigail’s safe, middle-class home life is thrown into dramatic relief as her friendship with Frances’s family gives her a new outlook.

I read this coming of age love story when I was a young teen. My friend returned from Germany with a stopover in the UK. She purchased this book and demanded that we all read her copy. The book is still a little hard to find in the US, but is well worth the effort of ordering online. Though told in decades past, this realistic story is relatable to today’s teens. The romance, drama, and self-reflection in this story are enjoyable and appropriate for young adults.

Interest Level: young adult

Reading Level: young adult

Mini Racer 

by Kristin Dempsey

Summary: Animals in a variety of fanciful vehicles, including a snail on a skateboard and rabbits in a carrot-car, race over a difficult course with a suspenseful and surprising outcome.

This exciting story is a twist on the Tortoise and the Hare tale. The humorous and rhythmic text makes this book a great read aloud.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2

 Naamah and the Ark at Night 

by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Summary: Rhyming text tells of Naamah, a wife of Noah, who sings to her husband, her sons and their wives, and to the animals to sleep at night.

At first, I was hesitant to read what appeared to be a fractured bible story. However, this is a great bedtime story with beautiful nighttime illustrations. I liked the author’s sweet nostalgic note in the back that she used to play Noah’s Ark as a child, and wondered about Noah’s wife. The story does not change the story of Noah, but a story of what could have happened during the storm.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2

Who Has These Feet?

by Laura Hulbert

Summary: Looks at the feet of nine different types of animals and how they are adapted to help their owners survive in their environments.

This is an informational book that is highly suitable for reading aloud to classes, and having the children guess the adaptation.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

Native American Biographies

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Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: A Book of Moods

by Sandra Boynton

Summary: Poses questions to the reader on the state of their mood based on animal emotions, from happy as a hippo to worried as a rabbit and contented as a frog.

This is a cute book for discussing emotions. The message is that everyone feels all emotions at some point except for angry duck.

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

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

by Langston Hughes

Summary: Artist E.B. Lewis acts as interpreter and visionary, using watercolor to pay tribute to Hughes's timeless poem.

Lewis won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor award, a prestigious American Library Association Award, for this book. The vivid watercolor illustrations accompany the previously written text beautifully. One could have a long discussion about the text. This is an excellent for celebrating Black History Month.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3