Tom's Tweet by Jill Esbaum

Summary: When a cat finds a bedraggled baby bird that has fallen from its nest, an unlikely friendship develops between the two.

Little ones are sure to enjoy this book for its silly humor. I enjoyed the grumpy character, Tom.

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

Dinosaurs Don't, Dinosaurs Do

by Steve Björkman

Summary: Colorful illustrations of dinosaurs and simple text reveal lessons of etiquette for children, encouraging sharing, and demonstrating good manners.

This is an amusing story for discussing appropriate behavior with preschool age children. The illustrations of the dinosaurs are appealing to youngsters.

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

Henry's Heart: A boy, his heart, and a new best friend

by Charise Mericle Harper

Summary: When Henry falls in love, his heart reacts strangely.

This is a neat book. The first half is about the real heart in our chests. Then, the text becomes a story about love and what makes hearts beat faster. The book’s illustrations are cartoonish and include many captions and fun diagrams.

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

The Crown on Your Head

by Nancy Tillman

Summary: A story in rhyme, lovingly expressing that every child is born with a crown of features that gives them unique value as they grow.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful. In certain places, the illustrations look realistic, like photographs. In other places, the pictures are dream-like. This is an excellent book for a parent or care giver to read to a child before bed and to close the night by telling the child how they are loved. The story can be used as a conversation starter about self-worth.

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

A Box Can Be Many Things

 by Dana Meachen Rau

Summary: A girl and her brother retrieve a large box from the garbage and pretend that it is a cave, car, house, and cage.

This story is a celebration of imagination! This book is part of the Rookie Readers publications. These books vary in style and appeal but are all excellent books for readers who are beginning to read on their own.

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

I Love My Daddy Because…

by Laurel Porter-Gaylord

Summary: Many different animal fathers are shown caring for their young.

This is a very sweet story. It is an excellent share for celebrating dads and Father’s Day. The author also wrote I Love My Mommy Because…

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 1

 

Let's Look for Opposites 

by Bill Gillham and Susan Hulme

Summary: Illustrates such opposite concepts as full/empty, open/shut, top/bottom, and dark/light, using photographs and sentences.

This book is ideal to read to children from birth. The illustrations are photographs which infants often enjoy. However, the photographs are somewhat dated. The short and simple text makes it a wonderful one on one read to young children with short attention spans. The book may also be used to teach opposites.

Interest Level: birth-age 4

Reading Level: grade 1

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Happy March!

March is.. 

Women’s History Month

Music in Our Schools Month

National Nutrition Month

Red Cross Month

Irish American Month

Purim is March 8^th

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th

International Earth Day is March 20^th

Spring Starts March 20^th

^{Celebrate with a great read!}

^{Check out the labels below for previously posted books and bibliographies} 

Hunky Dory Ate It 

by Katie Evans

Summary: Spunky Hunky Dory tries to eat everything in sight and winds up a sick puppy at the vet's.

This is a humorous story in rhyme that is sure to be enjoyed by young children. This book reminds me of the Marley series, although, it was published long before those books.

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

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A Road Might Lead to Anywhere 

by Rachel Field

Summary: After reading about faraway lands, a young girl closes her eyes and imagines all the wonderful places a road could take her, from a cave full of treasure to a witch's house and even to Mexico.

This is an excellent story for celebrating the power of imagination and creativity. The paper-sculpture illustrations add a nice element to the book. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 2

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I've Got an Elephant 

by Anne Ginkel

Summary: Content with one elephant then pleased to have two, a girl begins having problems as her lonely pachyderms bring home more and more friends throughout this rhyming counting book.

This story in rhyme is bound to be seen as humorous by young children. Preschool age children will enjoy learning to count with this book. 

Interest level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2 

The Neat Line: Scribbling Through Mother Goose 

by Pamela Duncan Edwards

Summary: A young scribble matures into a neat line, then wriggles into a book of nursery rhymes where he transforms himself into different objects to assist the characters he meets there.

I love fractured fairy tales, and this book seems to be part of a new trend of fractured nursery rhymes. This story is a series of neat twists on old, well-known nursery rhymes strung together by a scribble. This is an excellent class read aloud that students will find humorous.  

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!

by Candace Fleming

Summary: After planting the garden he has dreamed of for years, Mr. McGreely tries to find a way to keep some persistent bunnies from eating all his vegetables.

This repetitive story is excellent for actively engaging children in a read aloud. The reader may ask children questions such as “What do you think will happen next?” The story is somewhat repetitive and predictable, which is ideal for involving young children and developing an interest in literature.

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

Little Mist

Little Mist

by Angela McAllister

Summary: Little Mist, a young snow leopard, is filled with wonder when his mother introduces him to the world for the first time.

This magnificently illustrated story is touching, especially the last few pages. A parent may choose to read this with his/her child and discuss how they feel the same way as the snow leopard mother.

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

Egyptian Mummies: A Pop-Up Book

by Milbry Polk

Summary: Unwrap a mummy to see what lies beneath its bandages, lift the layers of a pharaoh's coffin, and help an ancient priest remove the organs from a soon-to-be-mummified body!

This is a unique pop-up book because it contains detailed information and is for older readers. It is a lot of fun to read and manipulate this book, but beware: the beginning is not for those who can become queasy easily!

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

 

Bathing 

by Liesbet Slegers

Summary: A book filled with illustrations that celebrates bathing at bath time. 

This is a short, small board book. The sturdy pages allow very young children to hold this book. This is an excellent read for young children who do not want to take baths. It also may be helpful for older children with special needs who are reluctant to take baths. In a special school where I worked, we “scripted” everyday matters for students up to age 21, as many educational institutions for special needs children do. The scripts would include steps involved in common situations with which certain students regularly would become frightened, angry, or confused (for example, doctor visits, fire drills, and bathroom usage). To overcome the anxiety associated with these situations, we scripted steps to make those overwhelming daily activities manageable for children with special needs. 

Interest Level: infant-age 4

Reading Level: grade 2

Roll Over!

by Mordicai Gerstein

Summary: A sleepy tot and his ten frolicsome animal friends romp through the numbers one to ten in this counting book, based on the traditional children's song.

This adorable book is in a small format and ideal for reading one-on-one with a child. I greatly enjoyed the twist and the end of the story

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

Ruby in Her Own Time 

by Jonathan Emmett

Summary: Ruby, the last of Mother Duck's and Father Duck's eggs to hatch, is slower to develop than her four siblings, until the day that she flies further and higher than any of them.

This is a sweet story about self-perception. I liked that the parents are concerned for Ruby, but also have faith in her. This is a great story to read to a child who is behind his/her peers, or to classmates who may tease such a child.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2 

Happy Leap Year!

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How Many Kisses Do You Want Tonight?

by Varsha Bajaj


Summary: When animal and human parents lovingly ask their offspring how many kisses each wants at bedtime, the answers start at the number one and end at a million.

This is an adorable bedtime story. It can be used to teach counting, and to show a child how much they are loved.

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



I'm Here

by Peter H. Reynolds

Summary: In a crowded park, a boy makes an airplane out of a piece of paper carried to him by a gentle breeze, sends it on its way, and watches a new friend bring it back to him.

This story is of mediocre value. It is about autism, but that is not entirely clear. I would not use this book to discuss acceptance of students with autism. However, this book may be useful to discuss friendship and how to interact with peers to a child with autism who struggles with social situations.

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

Ellen’s Broom

by Kelly Lyons

Summary: Cherishing the special broom resting above her hearth for its representation of the slave heritage that once forbade legal marriages, Ellen prepares for her parents' triumphant registry at a Reconstruction-era courthouse as lawful husband and wife and proudly carries the broom so that they can repeat a cultural wedding tradition.

This is a historical fiction story. It is lengthy, but an excellent resource for discussing slavery and human rights. This is an ideal read at this time because it is Black History Month.

Interest Level: grades k-6

Reading Level: grade 3



Ten Hungry Rabbits: Counting and Color Concepts

by Anita Lobel

Summary: Ten little rabbits are hungry for supper but Mama Rabbit has nothing to put in her soup pot, so Papa sends them to the garden where they discover increasing numbers of foods in many different colors.

This is a cute concept book. It is great for learning colors. However, it is not especially effective in learning numbers, because it is not always clear which items are meant to be counted.

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

Busy Little Mouse

by Eugenie Fernandes

Summary: As Busy Little Mouse hurries outside to play, children are introduced to his many farmyard playmates and the sounds they make.

This book’s illustrations are appealing. The illustrator uses 3D artwork with pliable modeling material. Young children are sure to enjoy the animals highlighted in the text.

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

Snowy Valentine

by David Petersen

Summary: Jasper Bunny spends a snowy Valentine's Day visiting his forest friends in hopes of finding the perfect gift for his beloved Lilly.

This is a sweet story that is excellent to read before discussing creating special gifts and how it’s the thought that counts. Additionally, the message is that love is a great gift in itself.

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

Amazing True Stories About Animals

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One Blue Fish: A Colorful Counting Book

by Charles Reasoner

Summary: Lift shaped flaps to reveal one blue fish, two white swans, and so forth, introducing readers to counting and colors using pond critters.

This is a neat picture book for preschool age children. The text is simple, but the flaps make it fun to learn how to count.

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

The Pirate of Kindergarten

The Pirate of Kindergarten

by George Ella Lyon

Summary: Ginny's eyes play tricks on her, making her see everything double, but when she goes to vision screening at school and discovers that not everyone sees this way, she learns that her double vision can be cured.

This story won the prestigious American Library Association (ALA) Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience in the ages 0 to 10 category. This book is presented in an entertaining manner, although its subject is serious. This is a stupendous book to read aloud for celebrating differences, discussing disabilities or discussing teasing.

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

Talk, Talk, Squawk:
A Human's Guide to Animal Communication
by Nicola Davies

Summary: Presents the creative ways animals communicate, including how various creatures use messaging methods ranging from colors and smells to vibrations and electricity.

This is a really fun nonfiction read. The cartoonish illustrations and captions make this book enjoyable for young elementary school students. It is lengthy, and not an ideal read aloud. However, it will be enjoyed by advanced elementary readers. Younger listeners with a long attention span may enjoy this book when read one on one, or the book may be read in sections over time.

Interest Level: grades k-6

Reading Level: grade 8

Little Mouse Gets Ready

Little Mouse Gets Ready

by Jeff Smith

Summary: Little Mouse gets dressed to go to the barn with his mother, brothers, and sisters.

This easy reader graphic novel is winner of the prestigious American Library Association’s (ALA) Theodor Seuss Giesel award. It can be used to teach getting dressed with younger children. The book is worth reading for the humor at the very end!

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 1

I Had a Cat 

by Mona Rabun Reeves

Summary: The owner of a cat, dog, bird, ape, frog, elk, deer, and a multitude of other animals finds new homes for all but one.

This is a fun, repetitious story. This story celebrates cats as pets. However, I could not help thinking, “Why did he have to get rid of the dog?” In all fairness, all of the animals he gives away serve a purpose at their new homes.

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

Moose in the Garden

by Nancy White Carlstrom

Summary: A young child is delighted when Papa Moose visits the garden and eats almost all the vegetables.

This is an amusing story in rhyme. It is appropriate to use this book to discuss point of view.

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

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Happy Valentine's Day: Picture books for students in preschool to third grade

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A Giant Crush
by Gennifer  Choldenko

Summary: Too shy to approach the girl he likes, Jackson hides little gifts for her to discover before Valentine's Day.

This is a cute story, but the intended audience is unclear. The message in the story is that you should tell someone when you have a crush on them which may not be appropriate or appreciated by younger children. I cannot imagine that many children past third grade would enjoy this story because of its childish illustrations.

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

Hugs From Pearl
 by Paul Schmid

Summary: A friendly porcupine figures out how to give hugs without hurting others with her sharp quills.

This is a quirky but fun book. Children will enjoy this book for its silly humor. The story allows for a “when there’s a will there’s a way” discussion.

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

Waiting for the Magic
by Patricia MacLachlan

Summary: When Papa goes away for a little while, his family tries to cope with the separation by adopting four dogs and a cat.          

This chapter book will be most enjoyed by advance primary school readers. It may be enjoyed by older elementary school students, especially those who love cats and dogs.

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

Little Owl's Night

by Divya Srinivasan

Summary: Little Owl enjoys a lovely night in the forest visiting his friend the raccoon, listening to the frogs croak and the crickets chirp, and watching the fog that hovers overhead.

This is a fun bedtime read. The dark illustrations are appealing.

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

Happy February!

February is Black History Month

February 2nd is Groundhog's Day

February 14th is Valentine's Day

February 20th is Presidents Day

February 29th is Leap Day

Check out the labels below for related books!



  

Penelope Popper, Book Doctor
by Toni Buzzeo

Summary: In all corners of the library, there are books that need care and Penelope immediately dedicates herself to learning how to mend them.

This book is great for introducing young children to school libraries and how to take care of library items. It is also appropriate to use this book for discussion on how everyone has a “niche,” and respecting other people’s interests.

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

Bathing

by Liesbet Slegers

Summary: A book filled with illustrations that celebrate bathing at bath time.

This is a short small board book. The sturdy pages allow very young children to hold this book. This is an excellent read for young children who do not want to take baths. It also may be helpful for older children with special needs who are reluctant to take baths. In a special school, where I worked we “scripted” everyday matters for students up to age 21, as many educational institutions for special needs children do. The scripts would include steps involved in common situations that certain students regularly become frightened, angry, or confused during (for example, doctor visits, fire drills, and bathroom usage). To overcome the anxiety associated with these situations, we scripted steps to make those overwhelming daily activities manageable for children with special needs.

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

Great Biographies of Lesser Known People

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How Dalia Put a Big Yellow Comforter Inside a Tiny Blue Box 

by Linda Heller    

Summary: After learning about the Jewish tradition of tzedakah boxes, Dalia shares her knowledge with her younger brother, Yossi, by telling him what her savings can help to provide for someone in need.

This is a sweet story that is great for discussing helping others. It is also appropriate to use this book as part of a unit lesson on world traditions.

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 3

Bear's Birthday 

by Stella Blackstone

Summary: Bear celebrates his birthday with a party, games, and ten balloons that disappear one at a time throughout the day.

This is a cute book for first exposing children to counting down. The thick board pages make it an ideal book for young children.

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

  

The Pirates of Plagiarism 

by Kathleen Fox

Summary: A pirate crew's plan to capture Mrs. Finch, the librarian, and a treasure chest in the library is foiled when a group of students come into the library to do research.

The humorous aspect of this story will be enjoyed by young ones, but most likely not completely comprehended by primary school students. I recommend this book as a read aloud for older elementary school students. The story is wonderful for discussing values, especially cheating and plagiarism. 

Interest Level: grades k-6

Reading Level: grade 4

Be Quiet, Mike! 

by Leslie Patricelli

Summary: Monkey Mike is reprimanded for making noise when he taps pencils and clangs trash cans until he sees a drum set in the music store and puts his hands-on talents to work in a most impressive way.      

This is an amusing story that will be enjoyed the most by young children. This book is excellent for discussing that everyone has a niche.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2

Waiting for the BiblioBurro 

by Monica Brown

Summary: When a man brings to a remote village two burros, Alfa and Beto, loaded with books the children can borrow, Ana's excitement leads her to write a book of her own as she waits for the BibliBurro to return.

This is an amazing fictionalized tale of a real library that travels on a donkey. This book is a great read aloud for National Library week. This story allows for a discussion on how a library is not necessarily a place and the power of reading. Additionally, it is motivating to begin a service project for those who live in poverty. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 4

My Best Shoes 

by Marilee R. Burton

Summary: Celebrates the variety of shoes that can be worn, from sturdy lace up high shoes to naked feet and toe shoes.             

This is a cute book. The story can be read to a child to discuss dress and behavior, or just for fun!

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

MORE Picture Books: It's Night!

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Benny's Pennies

by Pat Brisson

Summary: Benny sets off in the morning with five shiny new pennies to spend and eventually buys something for his mother, brother, sister, dog, and cat.

This book will be enjoyed by young children for its repetitive and predictable nature. The sweet story is great for helping children understand sharing without being didactic.

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

Kitten's Winter

by Eugenie Fernandes

Summary: A young kitten explores the woods on a cold winter day as other animals shelter from the weather or engage in their usual seasonal activities.

This story in rhyme is a wonderful read aloud. I love the illustrator’s use of collage. The story is appropriate for use as an introduction to lessons on hibernation, winter, or seasons in general.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 1

Sister Bear: A Norse Tale

by Jane Yolen

Summary: Halva is traveling with her trained bear to visit the King of Denmark when they stop for the night at a cottage where, they learn, a pack of trolls is about to make its annual Christmas Eve visit, causing trouble and making a big mess. Includes author's note about the story's origins.

This is a captivating tale with gorgeous, vibrant illustrations. This lesser known European folktale is wonderful for genre studies lesson units. However, is lengthy and I do not recommend reading this book aloud to a young class.

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

Goodnight iPad: A Parody for the Next Generation 

by Ann Droyd

Summary: A bedtime story for bidding electronic gadgets goodnight, from the Blackberry and the Nooks to the iPad and the MP3s.      

This is a humorous parody of Goodnight Moon, a classic bedtime story. Young children to adults will enjoy this book.  I enjoyed the last page the most.      

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 6
Reading Level: grade 4

The Pout-Pout Fish 

by Deborah Diesen

Summary: The Pout-Pout Fish believes he only knows how to frown, even though many of his friends suggest ways to change his expression, until one day a fish comes along that shows him otherwise.          

This book will be appreciated by young children, although the story is of mediocre value. I understand the author’s intended message, but a pout fish is not able to change its face and kissing everyone is not appropriate.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 3

 

Goldilicious 

by Victoria Kann

Summary: A little girl and her brother play with her imaginary gold-horned unicorn that can float on water, fly, and turn herself into a fairy princess.                           

This book is one of the sequels to the very popular book, Pinkalicious. The story is not particularly noteworthy, but it will be enjoyed by fans of the series.

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

It's Night!

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What Animals Really Like: A New Song Composed and Conducted by Mr. Herbert

by Fiona Robinson

Summary: When the National Animal Chorus gathers to perform the immortal works of Mr. Herbert Timberteeth, the performance doesn't go exactly as planned due to certain preconceived notions of what animals like to do.

This is a silly and humorous tale that could be used to discuss a serious subject matter, stereotyping. The message is that people do not always like what you think they would like. The book has “song lyrics” amongst the text, but does not provide a melody. Nevertheless, a reader could read this book aloud in a sing-song voice or create a melody. This story could be made into a very interactive read aloud by asking children questions throughout the book, such as, “What do you think these animals like?” A great follow-up activity is to ask children to imagine what other animals not mentioned in the story may like. They may use their imaginations to draw a picture and or write about animals’ talents.

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