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

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

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

(Cover image not available)

 

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 

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

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 



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

Click on image for larger print

 

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

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

(Cover image unavailable)

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