Princess Beginning Readers

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Animals Slide and Find

Animals Slide and Find

by Bright Baby

Summary: Young readers can slide back panels to match animals with their close-up pictures, colors, babies, and names.

This is a wonderful, interactive book best suited for very young children.

Interest Level: infants, ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 1

Pig-a-boo: A Farmyard Peekaboo Book

Pig-a-boo: A Farmyard Peekaboo Book

by Dorothea DePrisco

Summary: Farm animals play a game of peek-a-boo in this hilarious book with flaps and touch-and-feel elements.

This is a wonderful, interactive book best suited for very young children. In order to make things more interesting for young children, parents can play games such as peek-a-boo or look-and-find as they read the book.

Interest Level: infants, ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 1

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

Summary: The struggle of three brothers to stay together after their parent's death and their quest for identity among the conflicting values of their adolescent society.

Although this book is considered to be on a fourth grade reading level, the content is mature including gangs and violence. I feel it is most appropriate for middle school and high school students.I read this as a sixth grade honors student and it was a little intense for me, though it was very enjoyable. It is a great book for putting your life into perspective as a youth.

Reading Level: grade 5
Interest Level: 6-12

One Boy

One Boy

 by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Summary: A boy creates ten paintings in this counting book that also explores the relationship of words within words.

This neat book was awarded the prestigious American Library AssoALA Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and is great for reluctant readers. Each page has a cutout in which you can see the picture on the next page. On the next page, there is a cutout that reveals text on the previous page to create a different word or part of a different word.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 1

The Right Dog for the Job

The Right Dog for the Job:
Ira's Path from Service Dog to Guide Dog
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Summary: Tells how a golden retriever is trained as a service dog, to help someone who has trouble moving their arms or legs, and later as a guide dog for a man who cannot see.

This nonfiction story is an excellent read for discussing guide dogs. Though lengthy, this book is appropriate for discussing with a child what a service dog is or what a child can expect if their family is going to temporarily foster a service dog. It is also an excellent read for older, independent readers, especially those who love dogs.

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

Socksquatch

Socksquatch

by Frank W. Dormer

Summary: Socksquatch tries to find a sock to warm his cold foot.

This book has little text and is excellent for very young listeners and beginning readers. It is ideal for Big Foot or other monster lovers. The silly dialogue is considered humorous to many children.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 1

Dragon Picture Books

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Paperwhite

by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Summary: Lucy and Miss Mamie while away the long hours of winter in various ways while waiting for a paperwhite bulb to grow and bring them spring.

I did not find this story exciting. However, it is a good read aloud for discussing seasons and planting with young children.

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

Crow Boy by Taro Yashima

Summary: This is the story of a boy who is an “outcast” at school. One day he shows he’s talent of imitating birds and becomes popular.

This is a Caldecott Honors Book. Though the book does not use the word, the boy has autism. If a class of younger children seems to be having social struggles whether because of autism, another diagnosis, or any other differences, a teacher should consider reading this book. A class discussion of how everyone is “special” or unique in their own way is appropriate after this book. Children could display and celebrate their own talents.

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

Shakespeare's Scribe by Gary Blackwood

Summary: In plague-ridden 1602 England, a fifteen-year-old orphan boy, who has become an apprentice actor, goes on the road with Shakespeare's troupe, and finds out more about his parents along the way.

Even if you are not a Shakespeare fan you may enjoy this book! I recommend this book to historical fiction fans and theater lovers. At time the book is predictable and other times surprising, but all in all is a terrific read.

Interest level: 4-12
Reading Level: grade 6

How Do Dinoasaurs Eat Their Food?

How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?

by Jane Yolen

Summary: Describes how a dinosaur eats; with no rude noises and while sitting very still.

This is a funny, entertaining tale that may be used to discuss table manners. Each page has the dinosaurs labeled, though you may have to search to find it!

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

Wolf Wanted

Wolf Wanted

by Ana Maria Machado

Summary: A human named Manny Wolf answers a job application that says "Wolf wanted" and gets a job answering the applications of the wolves from literature who apply for the job.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The first applicants are wolves from literature who are depicted as bad. Later, wolves that have depicted as good apply. A dog lover once brought to my attention that wolves have a bad reputation in literature but that some wolves are gentle and a generation away from a house dog. There are wolves in Alaska that have not attacked humans even after being provoked. The end contains a spread of wolves and the dog family around the world. It is a shame that parts of the text are difficult to read over the images.

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

Once Upon a Royal Superbaby

Once Upon a Royal Superbaby

by Kevin O'Malley

Summary: Cooperatively writing a story for school, a girl imagines a king and queen who have a baby named Sweet Piper who can talk to birds, while a boy names the baby Sweet Viper and gives him super-strength, cool wrestling moves, and a motorcycle and sunglasses.

Though stereotyping boys’ and girls’ favorite types of stories, this book is humorous and creative.

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

Reading Level: grade 5

Dragon Reads for Grades 1-2

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The Legend of the Golden Snail

The Legend of the Golden Snail

by Graeme Base

Summary: Wilbur loves the legend of the Golden Snail, an enchanted galleon, and vows to become its next master.

This is a lengthy picture book. The vibrant illustrations in this book may help to hold younger readers’ attention. I recommend it to those who enjoy strange nautical adventures such as The Pirates of the Caribbean.

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

Ernest, The Moose Who Doesn't Fit

Ernest, The Moose Who Doesn't Fit

by Catherine Rayner

Summary: A rather large moose who cannot fit on the page teams up with his little chipmunk friend to find a solution. Final pages form a gatefold.

This is an adorable book with little text on each page. This book is excellent for reading to younger children with a short attention span. It is fantastic simply for entertainment. I thought it would have a deep meaning about not "fitting in,” but there is not such a theme.

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

Judy Moody

Judy Moody

by Megan McDonald

Summary: Third grader Judy Moody is in a first day of school bad mood until she gets an assignment to create a collage all about herself and begins creating her masterpiece, the Me collage.

This book is a terrific read for students transitioning to chapter books. Boys and girls alike relate to funny Judy. This book is part of a series during which Judy ages as the series progresses. Her brother’s tales the “Stink” series are on a slightly lower reading level and are humorous as well.

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

Reading Level: grade 3

Bedtime Bunnies

Bedtime Bunnies

by Wendy Watson

Summary: Bunnies scamper, scurry, splash, zip, and snuggle as they get ready for bed.

This simple book is wonderful for the very young. The onomatopoeia is fun for young ones, especially children who are just starting to imitate what they have heard.

Interest Level: birth-age 2, ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 1

Librarianjk recommmends Waiting Out the Storm

Waiting Out the Storm

by JoAnn Early Macken

Summary: A mother reassures her child about the wind, lightning, and thunder when a storm passes through.

This is a beautifully narrated and illustrated story. It is fantastic for comforting children afraid of storms.

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

Arrow to the Sun

Arrow to the Sun

by Gerald McDermott

Summary: An adaptation of the Pueblo Indian myth which explains how the spirit of the Lord of the Sun was brought to the world of men.

This is an enjoyable Pueblo Indian tale. The illustrations are fantastic and unique.

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

Dragon Reads for Grades 3-5

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Ten Big Toes and a Prince's Nose

 
Ten Big Toes and a Prince's Nose 
by Nancy Gow

Summary: A lovely princess with enormous feet and a charming prince with a huge nose meet on a ski lift and, while their flaws are hidden, fall in love.

This is a sweet book about people’s differences and could be used to discuss prejudices.

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

Dinosaur vs. the Potty

Dinosaur vs. the Potty  

by Bob Shea

Summary: Dinosaur doesn't need to use the potty. Even when he's making lemonade, running through the sprinkler, and splashing in puddles. See? He's doing his victory dance. Wait, is that a victory dance, or something else?"

This is an amusing book about a dinosaur who thinks he is strong enough to resist using the potty. This book may be used to simply entertain a young child or to discuss with a child who is having trouble learning to use the bathroom.

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

Reading Level: grade 1

Knights of the Kitchen Table

Knights of the Kitchen Table 

by Jon Scieszka

Joe receives a magic book for his birthday present from his uncle. Joe, Fred and Sam are transported to a time when evil knights, fire-breathing dragons and vile-smelling giants roamed the land.                                                     

This humorous story is part of Time Warp Trio series. This is an excellent book for reluctant readers and is popular among boys. It is appropriate for both young children reading on a high level and older children reading on a lower level.

Interest Level: grades 4-6

Reading Level: grade 5

Nonna Tell Me a Story

Merry Little Christmas!

 

Nonna Tell Me a Story: Lidia's Christmas Kitchen

 by Lidia Bastianich

Summary: Italian-American chef Lidia Bastianich shares her memories of the Christmases she spent in Italy, where she learned to cook with her Nonna Rosa, and provides holiday recipes and decorating ideas.

This is a superb Christmas story. It is fantastic for discussing holiday traditions across cultures, and the importance of family.

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

Book of Big Brothers

 

Book of Big Brothers 

by Cary Fagan

Summary: The story of a younger brother's life with his two older brothers as they entertain, protect, and tease him.

This story is somewhat lengthily but a great story celebrating siblings. I would not recommend reading this book aloud to a class or a child with a short attention span. A parent can read this to discuss sibling rivalry and the benefits of having siblings. I think it would be most appropriate for a second or third grader transitioning to chapter books to read.

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 4

Librarianjk recommends I Am the Dog

I Am the Dog

by Daniel Pinkwater

Summary: Jacob trades places for the day with his dog Max and discovers the joys of chasing balls, eating kibble, and getting scratched behind the ears.

This humorous book is super, simply for entertainment. I was surprised to find that the book does not contain a didactic message by any means.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-2
Reading Level: grade 1

Dragon Reads for Grades 6-8

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Where the Mild Things Are: A Very Meek Parody

by Maurice Send-Up

Summary: When his monster parents become angry with him for being so mild, Mog is transported to Dullsville, a place so boring that Mog heads back home to his parents and promises never to be mild
again.

This an amusing parody of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Although its intended audience is 4-8 years old, I think only an adult who heard this as a child can truly appreciate it. Adult readers will be able to clearly identify the citizens in Dullsville as parodies of celebrities. This book is “Winner of the Cheap Gold Sticker” award, clearly mocking the prestigious Caldecott Award that Maurice Sendak won for Where the Wild Things Are. I think this book will mostly be enjoyed by librarians, school teachers, and other adults involved with children’s literature, although it may be used with older students to discuss what a parody is.

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

Gruff the Grump

 

Gruff the Grump

by Steve Smallman

Summary: When a grizzly bear, called Gruff the Grump by other animals, grudgingly listens to a small rabbit's pleas for help, she thanks him with simple gifts that reveal to him how dark and lonely his life has become.

This is a fantastic story for discussing moodiness in children themselves or adults. The moral is you have to give up being grumpy in order to be happy.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3 

Reading Level: grade 3