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

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} 

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

(Cover image not available)

 

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 

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

Art 123: Count from 1 to 12 with Great Works of Art

 by Stefano Zuffi

Summary: Simple, rhyming text invites the reader to count from one to twelve and more, while illustrations introduce works of art by such masters as Gainsborough, Van Gogh, and Matisse.

The intended audience of this book seems to be younger children who are learning numbers. However, what to count within the pictures is confusing. I recommend this book for introducing primary grade children to famous artists.

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

What if Everything Had Legs?

by Scott Menchin

Summary: Feeling too tired to walk the rest of the way home, a little girl wonders why the house cannot have legs to come to her and her mother, and then she imagines what else would change if everything had legs.

This is a humorous story that is great simply for entertainment. Children can use their own imaginations to think of obscure concepts, such as what would happen if various inanimate objects had arms.

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

Cookiebot: A Harry and Horsie Adventure

by Katie Van Camp

Summary: When Harry and his best friend Horsie build a robot that can reach the cookie jar for them, it goes out of control and wreaks havoc around the city.

This book is great for pure entertainment. The story is sure to be enjoyed by children with a silly sense of humor.

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

Dream Something Big: The Story of the Watts Towers

by Dianna Hutts Aston

Summary: In Watts, California, over a period of many years, a man known to all as Uncle Sam spends his free time collecting broken bits of pottery, glass, and other scraps and turning them into a work of art.

This biography, told as a story, is an ideal read aloud. Uncle Sam’s life and accomplishments are interesting. The collage illustrations were appropriate, although I would have liked to see more photographs of his real work. This book may be used to discuss following one’s heart and dreams.

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

Mannie and the Long Brave Day

 by Martine Murray

Summary: Mannie's special box full of secret things comes in handy on her day of imaginary adventures with her doll and her toy elephant.

This is a mediocre story. However, I like that one of the last illustrated pages of the books contains sparkles coming out of the box. A reader can ask children to use their imaginations to describe what could be coming out of this box or write a sequel to this story.

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

I'm Me!

 by Sara Sheridan

Summary: When Imogen comes to visit, Auntie Sara wonders if they should pretend to be other people. Imogen eventually decides it would be more fun for them to just be Auntie Sara and Imogen for the day.

This is a sweet story about being one’s self. All of the things Auntie Sara suggests that they could be may spark dramatic play.

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

Zoomer's Summer Snowstorm

by Ned Young

Summary: When a young dog's snow-cone machine fills the backyard with snow, his imagination runs wild and turns a hot summer day into a cold wintry one.

This is an entertaining book for a hot summer day. During the winter, teachers or parents can freeze snow, and play with the snow after this read. This is a fantastic idea for a sensory time with young children or students with autism.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 5

Doodleday

by Ross Collins

Summary: Despite his mother's warning, young Harvey draws on Doodleday. But when his drawings come to life in frightening ways, only his mother can help.

This is an entertaining book. It is a unique tale with There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly elements.

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

No Fair Science Fair

by Nancy Poydar

As his class science fair approaches, Otis has trouble even thinking of an idea; but once he has built a bird feeder, he is determined to make some good observations, no matter how long it takes.

It is appropriate to read this story to a class before they are assigned a science fair project. This book is great for discussing determination, as well.

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

Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix

by Gary Golio

Summary: Before he became one of the greatest guitar players of all time, Jimi Hendrix was a boy who loved to paint and listen to records, and who asked himself an unusual question: could someone paint pictures with sound? Run-on

This book won the prestigious American Library Association (ALA) Coretta Scott King illustrator honor award. The beautiful and unique illustrations are used in a creative way. I was surprised ALA picked a book on Jimi Hendrix to celebrate the African-American experience. The story itself is child friendly and has a positive message. At the end of the book there is a note about Jimi Hendrix’s death and substance abuse resources for young people.

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

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

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

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

Chit Lit for Young Teens

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