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

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

 

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

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 

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

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

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

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mealtime

by Elizabeth Verdick

Summary: Explains how to behave during mealtime

Although this is not an exciting story, it is useful in teaching toddlers about mealtime. This book may be helpful for older special education students. In a special school I worked at 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). For students who are new to a cafeteria situation, this book allows teachers to discuss what happens and how to behave during mealtime. At the end of the book, there is advice for parents regarding mealtimes with children.

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

Big Little Brother

by Kevin Kling

Summary: A four-year-old boy explains that his little brother is bigger than he is, follows him everywhere, and is annoying, but his presence becomes indispensable when bullies are around.

This is a sweet story about sibling rivalry and love. Self-perception, specifically size-perception, is effectively addressed in this story.

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

Thank You, Miss Doover

by Robin Pulver

Summary: Jack learns the value of revision as he practices Miss Doover's lesson on how to write a proper thank-you note.

This is an amusing story. Before a teacher first requires children to write several drafts, this book would be an excellent read aloud.

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