Little Mist

Little Mist

by Angela McAllister

Summary: Little Mist, a young snow leopard, is filled with wonder when his mother introduces him to the world for the first time.

This magnificently illustrated story is touching, especially the last few pages. A parent may choose to read this with his/her child and discuss how they feel the same way as the snow leopard mother.

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

The Pirate of Kindergarten

The Pirate of Kindergarten

by George Ella Lyon

Summary: Ginny's eyes play tricks on her, making her see everything double, but when she goes to vision screening at school and discovers that not everyone sees this way, she learns that her double vision can be cured.

This story won the prestigious American Library Association (ALA) Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience in the ages 0 to 10 category. This book is presented in an entertaining manner, although its subject is serious. This is a stupendous book to read aloud for celebrating differences, discussing disabilities or discussing teasing.

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

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

Waiting for the Magic
by Patricia MacLachlan

Summary: When Papa goes away for a little while, his family tries to cope with the separation by adopting four dogs and a cat.          

This chapter book will be most enjoyed by advance primary school readers. It may be enjoyed by older elementary school students, especially those who love cats and dogs.

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

Little Owl's Night

by Divya Srinivasan

Summary: Little Owl enjoys a lovely night in the forest visiting his friend the raccoon, listening to the frogs croak and the crickets chirp, and watching the fog that hovers overhead.

This is a fun bedtime read. The dark illustrations are appealing.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 3

  

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

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

My Best Shoes 

by Marilee R. Burton

Summary: Celebrates the variety of shoes that can be worn, from sturdy lace up high shoes to naked feet and toe shoes.             

This is a cute book. The story can be read to a child to discuss dress and behavior, or just for fun!

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

MORE Picture Books: It's Night!

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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

Kitten's Winter

by Eugenie Fernandes

Summary: A young kitten explores the woods on a cold winter day as other animals shelter from the weather or engage in their usual seasonal activities.

This story in rhyme is a wonderful read aloud. I love the illustrator’s use of collage. The story is appropriate for use as an introduction to lessons on hibernation, winter, or seasons in general.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 1

Goodnight iPad: A Parody for the Next Generation 

by Ann Droyd

Summary: A bedtime story for bidding electronic gadgets goodnight, from the Blackberry and the Nooks to the iPad and the MP3s.      

This is a humorous parody of Goodnight Moon, a classic bedtime story. Young children to adults will enjoy this book.  I enjoyed the last page the most.      

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 6
Reading Level: grade 4

Puddle's New School

by Amber Stewart

Summary: Puddle the Duckling starts to have second thoughts about going to duckling school for the first time, but with some encouragement and kindness from his mother, he is able to enjoy his new environment.

This is a cute story that can help prepare children for a first day of preschool. Teachers may read this book aloud on the first day of school and discuss how their school will be similar and different to the duckling’s

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

Red Sled

by Lita Judge

Summary: At night, a host of woodland creatures play with a child's red sled.

This book is wordless, except for the sounds that are made throughout the story. Such books are ideal for sharing with pre-readers on a one-on-one basis. The simplicity of the story allows for a young child to be creative in narrating a story of their own based upon the pictures.

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan

Summary: In 1919, independent-minded fifteen-year-old Rosalind lives in India with her English parents, and when they fear she has fallen in with some rebellious types who believe in Indian self-government, she is sent "home" to London, where she has never been and where her older brother died, to stay with her two aunts.

I admire the main character, Rosalind. What I consider her strongest character traits, were seen as negative traits in females during this time in British culture  This is a very strong piece of historical fiction; while one may never have considered the types of choices people of this time had to make, the characters’ feelings are relatable. Even as an adult with a good amount of knowledge about the time period, I saw from a new angle how people of this time and place lived. This book may be very eye-opening to grade school students. I found the ending disappointing and inconclusive, but thoroughly enjoyed everything else about this story.

Interest Level: grades 4-8

Reading Level: grade 7



Happy Birthday, Hamster

by Cynthia Lord

Summary: Follows Hamster and his friend Dog as they prepare for a birthday party.

This is an excellent interactive one-on-one read with a young child. As with any picture book, the reader may engage the child by asking what is happening in the illustrations and what he/she thinks will happen next. The pages contain pictures with increasingly obvious clues for what will happen at the end of the story. The text allows for a quick re-read in which a reader may ask a child how the pictures relate to the ending.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 1

Ready, Set, 100th Day! 

by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Summary: Minna's family pitches in to help her come up with the perfect project for the hundredth day of school, from twenty sets of five sticks to two sets of fifty pieces of pasta.

This book is a neat concept book for primary grade children. Students may practice counting by intervals with this text. I still remember my 100^th day of school celebrations in first and second grade. Teachers, use this book on your 100^th day of school to teach skills in a fun way!

Interest Level: grades k-3

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

I Want a Party!

by Tony Ross

Summary: Little Princess discovers that she can have a lovely party with just one guest.

A new addition to the A Little Princess Story series, this book is entertaining. I did not like this book in beginning because of the princess’ demanding behavior. However, the ending has a very nice message.

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

If You Give a Dog a Donut

by Laura Numeroff

Summary: Chaos might ensue if you were to give a dog a donut.

From the author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and many other title’s beginning with “If you give a,” this story continues the formulaic format of the series. Parents may tire of the same premise, but young children enjoy consistency and predictability. The dog desires to do things that other lead animals in the “If you give a” series have not done.

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