Solomon Crocodile

by Catherine Rayner

Summary: Solomon Crocodile's rough play prevents him from making friends down by the river until a stranger comes stomping through the reeds!

The illustrations in this book are appealing, especially the sparkles on the cover and blotches on the animals within the story. This alone may hold a child’s attention during this short book. However, the storyline is a bit overdone.

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

The Jewel Fish of Karnak

by Graeme Base

Summary: Two thieves, caught stealing from an Egyptian market, are brought before the Cat Pharaoh who agrees to pardon them if they bring back a treasure that was stolen from her. They must not take anything else or get the precious Jewel Fish wet.

This is the coolest picture book I have seen a long time. The back cover contains a movable puzzle. The Cat Pharaoh challenges readers to go to the author’s website with the answers. Even without this feature, the book contains a fantastic fable, and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend this book to any primary grade student and older children who are up for a fun challenge.

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

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