Cat Secrets

Cat Secrets

by Jef Czekaj

Summary: Important secrets about how best to live a cat's life will be revealed only to those who can prove that they are genuine cats.

This is a precious picture book that could be used as an easy reader. It is also a great interactive read-aloud. For example, when the cats test the reader to see if they can purr, an adult can ask a group of children to purr.

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

Secret River

 

 

Secret River

 by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Summary: Young Calpurnia takes her dog, Buggy-horse, and follows her nose to a secret river in a Florida forest. There she catches enough fresh fish to feed her hungry neighbors, even after giving some to the forest creatures she meets on the way home.

This new book contains beautiful, vivid illustrations added to a previously published story. This tale is most appropriate for older readers. The rich text can be used to discuss several life concepts. If read as a class, teachers can discuss the economy in this community and today’s economy on a basic level.

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

Small Saul

Small Saul

by Ashley Spires

Summary: Small Saul is a different kind of pirate. Will Small Saul be able to prove his worth as a pirate or will he be thrown overboard?

This is an amusing story that can be used to discuss the idea that height is not necessarily important and that everyone has worth.

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

Friends (Mostly)

Friends (Mostly)

by Barbara Joosse

Summary: Henry and Ruby are best friends forever, even though they do not always get along

This is a great book for young children beginning to feel the hardships of first friendships. An adult can aid children in making amends when two or more friends are having difficulties.

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

Mean Soup

Mean Soup

by Betsy Everitt

Summary: Horace feels really mean at the end of a bad day, until he helps his mother make Mean Soup.

This is a fantastic book for discussing that everyone has bad days and that it is okay if one takes it out in a harmless way.

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

Recommended Reads for Fourth Graders

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One More Hug for Madison

One More Hug for Madison

 by Caroline Jayne Church

Summary: Madison the mouse keeps asking her patient mother for just one more thing before she goes to sleep.

This is a very cute story with an ending that surprised me. This book is great for discussing why parents should not be woken up at night for “just one more thing!”

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

Rainbow Bird: An Aboriginal Folktale From Northern Australia

Rainbow Bird: An Aboriginal Folktale From Northern Australia

by Eric Maddern

Summary: In this aboriginal pourquoi story, Bird Woman must find a way to get Crocodile Man to share the fire that only he possesses.

This is a unique folktale. The illustrations are bright and beautiful. I recommend this for reading to young children and discussing folk tales as a class. This is also a great read for this summer’s public library reading theme One World, Many Stories.

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

The Singing Snake

The Singing Snake

by Stefan Czernecki

Summary: A retelling of the Australian aboriginal tale about a snake that swallows a lark in an effort to win a singing contest.

This is a fantastic tale that tells how an instrument, the didgeridoo was created. It is somewhat lengthy, but still a great read aloud for older children. The illustrations are beautiful and are influenced by aboriginal painting. It is appropriate for this summer’s public library reading theme One World, Many Stories.

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

What's Special About Me, Mom?

What's Special About me, Mama?

by Kristina Evans

Summary: In a rhythmically-written conversation between parent and child, Mama lists her son's many good traits--from physical attributes to behavior--and though he dismisses each quality as just a little thing, Mama explains that there is nothing little about love.

This is a heart-warming story that is wonderful to share between a child and a loving caregiver. It is a great bedtime story for discussing important personal traits.

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

Say Hello to Zorro!

Say Hello to Zorro!

by Carter Goodrich

Summary: Mister Bud, the family dog, has a satisfying routine to his life, but when another dog joins the family and disrupts his schedule, Mister Bud must learn to adapt.

This is a spectacular book for discussing that changes sometimes occur. It is also great for discussing that we may not always get along and sometimes we “need space” but that we can come to a place of mutual respect and still enjoy each other’s company.

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

Chicken Chicken Duck!

Chicken Chicken Duck!

by Nadia Krilanovich

Summary: Easy-to-read, rhythmic text about a group of farm animals, led by a tenacious duck, who play a noisy game together.

This is a cute, mildly amusing book that is appropriate for very young children. It may be used to teach children to identify farm animals.

Interest Level: birth-age 4
Reading Level: grade 1

Recommended Reads for Third Graders

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Croaky Pokey

Croaky Pokey

by Ethan Long

Summary: Frogs sing and do their own version of the Hokey Pokey.

This is a superb interactive book. As a modification of “The Hokey Pokey,” I am inclined to sing and dance to this version at a future storytime!

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

Another Mouth to Feed

Another Mouth to Feed

 by Michael Dahl

Summary: When young monster Harvey hears his parents refer to the new baby they are expecting as "another mouth to feed," he imagines his new sibling as an enormous mouth--and nothing else.

This is a humorous story with vibrant illustrations. It is stupendous for discussing idioms and can be paired with an Amelia Bedelia book.

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

Muggie Maggie by Beverly Cleary

Summary: Maggie resists learning cursive writing in the third grade, until she discovers that knowing how to read and write cursive promises to open up an entirely new world of knowledge for her.

This is one of the first chapter books I read. I loved Maggie’s character and still remember this book today!

Interest Level: grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 5

Dewey: There's A Cat In the Library!

Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library!

by Vicki Myron

Summary: Tells the story of Dewey Readmore Books, a kitten abandoned in the Spencer Library return box and nursed back to health by a librarian, who discovers that (like his librarian friends) helping people big and small is what he is meant to do.

This is an adorable picture book that is wonderful for celebrating libraries. Of course, it is also great for cat lovers! This sweet story is appropriate for young children who are not quite ready for the nonfiction versions.

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

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile

by Gloria Houston

Summary: Dorothy has always wanted to work in a library like the red brick one of her girlhood, but after moving to rural North Carolina she discovers that the type of library is less important than the books and the people who read them.

This is a nice story most appropriate for older readers. It is wonderful for discussing that some places, such as churches and libraries, are not buildings but gathering places. Also, it is great for discussing that sometimes you do not get what you want, but if you work hard you can find something just as meaningful.

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

Library Lion

Library Lion

 by Michelle Knudsen

Summary: A lion starts visiting the local library but runs into trouble as he tries to both obey the rules and help his librarian friend.

This is a sweet story that is appropriate for discussing rules and celebrating libraries!

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

Recommended Reads for Second Graders

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The Boy Who Was Raised By Librarians

The Boy Who Was Raised By Librarians

 by Carla Morris

Melvin discovers that the public library is the place where he can find just about anything--including three librarians who help in his quest for knowledge.

This is a fantastic book for celebrating libraries. It is also great for discussing the changing roles of librarians and dispelling stereotypes of cranky librarians.

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

April 10th to April 16th

is

Library Week!

© Copyright James Yardley and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Little Mouse and the Big Cupcake

Little Mouse and the Big Cupcake

by Thomas Taylor

Summary: A very small mouse finds a very big chocolate chip, raspberry cream cupcake and must ask for help from his animal friends to get it home--all of whom agree in exchange for a little nibble.

This is an adorable book for discussing sharing, as well as reading before, during, or after eating cupcakes!

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

Freckle Juice by Judy Blume

Summary: Andrew wants freckles so badly that he buys Sharon's freckle recipe for fifty cents.

This was one of the first chapter books I ever read and I loved it! Sometimes freckles make a child stand out and feel self-conscience, but this book celebrates them! I have always liked my few freckles in the summertime, but my shy brother did not like the attention his freckle face gave him when he was young! This is a great book for children who have freckles, for a child desiring to be something they are not, and class discussions about celebrating any differences.

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

Fortunately, Unfortunately

Fortunately, Unfortunately

by Michael Foreman

Summary: On his way to return his grandmother's umbrella, Milo has a series of unlikely adventures, some more fortunate than others.

This story is amusing and fun. It is wonderful for discussing the meaning of the words fortunately and unfortunately, and luck in general.

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

Topsy-Turvy Town

Topsy-Turvy Town

by Luc Melanson

Summary: Imagining a town where it rains broccoli, police officers dance while on duty, and people juggle wildcats before bedtime, a young boy is disregarded by everyone in his family, except his understanding mother.

This is a great silly book that celebrates the power of imagination.

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

The Jellybeans and the Big Camp Kickoff



The Jellybeans and the Big Camp Kickoff

by Laura Numeroff

Summary: When four friends with different talents and abilities go to summer camp together, they use their strengths to make camp fun for all.

This book is part of a series about four friends. I like the theme that all friends have different talents and are able to apply their talents in different ways. Also, if something you love is not available, try to make it available by starting a team, club, etc.

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

Recommended Reads for First Graders

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Elmer and the Rainbow

Elmer and the Rainbow

by David McKee

Summary: Elmer the elephant enlists his animal friends to help him find the end of a strange, colorless rainbow so that he can share some of his patchwork colors and make it right.

This is a very sweet story. I like that some of the animals have doubts but they all have a positive attitude and are ready to help.

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

Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to Nap

Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to Nap

by J.C. Phillipps

Summary: Wink loves being the most famous ninja in Japan but when he needs a nap his fans will not leave him alone, and so he seeks guidance from his former teacher, Master Zutsu.

This is a comical book. It is great for discussing the negative side of fame. It is also fabulous for teaching children that naps are okay because even active ninjas take them!

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

Happy April Fools Day!

April is...

National Humor Month

National Poetry Month

World Habitat Awareness Month

April 10th to 16th is National Library Week
April 22nd is Earth Day
April 24th is Easter

Click on the labels below to celebrate with a super read!