Elmer's Christmas 

by David McKee

Summary: Elmer, the patchwork elephant, helps the excited youngsters prepare for the Christmas visit of Papa Red.

This is a wonderful Christmas book for discussing the deeper meanings of the holiday season, especially generosity. The story seems to be going down a predictable path, but the ending has a twist. I have never seen this type of ending to a Christmas story before. This book may be most enjoyed when an adult reads it with a child one-on-one. However, primary school age children may like it as well. There are other Elmer books by David McKee that also address personal characteristics. 

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2

Count Them While You Can: A Book of Endangered Animals

by Ann Bowman

Summary: Describes the habits of endangered animals.

This book contains a story in rhyme that flows like a poem. Children are invited to count the animals on each page. On opposite pages of the story, there are facts about endangered animals. For this reason, the book can be enjoyed by a large age range. An adult could read the story part with young children and encourage them to count. An early school age teacher could read the story aloud to a class and then provide the book during open read time for students who are interested in the facts. Older school age children may use facts in this book to supplement a report on endangered species.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 6

Reading Level: grade 3