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

Limelight Larry

by Leigh Hodgkinson

Summary: A peacock called Limelight Larry wants to be the star of the book named for him. But soon other animals are cluttering the pages. When the star finally has his moment in the spotlight, what has happened to all his friends?

This is a comedic story about friendship, arrogance, and sharing. This book is best read one on one with a child who is experiencing difficulties in these character areas, but it is also a fun read aloud for primary age children. If a child is starting to get lost in the dialogue, he/she will be drawn back in by the beautiful spread of our peacock star.

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

Purple Little Bird

 by Greg Foley

Summary: Purple Little Bird leaves his almost perfect purple home in search of a better place. Although Brown Bear, Yellow Camel, and others live in very nice places, none is quite right for him.

This is a cute repetitive story that can be used to discuss appreciating what one has. Also, a discussion on how too much of one thing is not enjoyable is warranted as well. Each character is a distinct color and lives in an area of that color, which makes it appropriate to practice identifying colors with young children.

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

Bee and Bird

by Craig Frazier

Summary: In this wordless picture book, a bumblebee and a bird embark on a travel adventure.

The bright illustrations in this book did not appeal to me. However, the illustrations are simple enough that very young children will be able to narrate a story. Wordless books are meant for children to use their creativity and develop an appreciation for books.

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

Gary and Ray

Gary and Ray

by Sarah Adams

Summary: Gary is lonely because the other forest animals find a gorilla too intimidating to play with. A tiny sunbird named Ray sees his sadness and befriends him. Gary is happy but still wishes he could have a family of his own. Ray finds Susan for him, and the rest is history.

This is a sweet story. The vibrant illustrations and minimal text make it appropriate for use with young readers. This book could be used to discuss that friends come in all different shapes and sizes. Also, with patience, we may find friends like ourselves, as well.

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

Counting Birds

Counting Birds

by Alice Melvin

Summary: Swans, swallows, peacocks, geese, and starlings appear in this charming story that leads children through a spring day from dawn to dusk.

This book is beautifully illustrated and is super for lovers of bird identifying who are learning numbers. A game of “look and find” can be played as well as counting the birds.

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