Busy Little Mouse

by Eugenie Fernandes

Summary: As Busy Little Mouse hurries outside to play, children are introduced to his many farmyard playmates and the sounds they make.

This book’s illustrations are appealing. The illustrator uses 3D artwork with pliable modeling material. Young children are sure to enjoy the animals highlighted in the text.

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

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

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

What to Expect When You're Expecting Joeys:

A Guide for Marsupial Parents

by Bridget Heos

Summary: Explains the life cycle of marsupials using the format of a question-and-answer guide written about human pregnancy.

Although this book contains cartoon like illustrations and is written as if speaking to marsupial parents, you may find this book in the nonfiction section of your library. The true intended audience is children seeking information about marsupials. I recommend this book to advanced primary grade readers. However, it may be appreciated by older elementary students who are interested in the subject matter. I enjoyed the humorous elements of this story.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 4

A Bad Kitty Christmas

by Nick Bruel

Summary: After destroying all of the gifts and decorations at home, Bad Kitty escapes from the car on Christmas Eve and finds a new friend, who helps her learn the true meaning of Christmas.

I love this book! The book contains three alphabetical lists, including naughty things kitty did. The rhyming lists are woven beautifully into this heartwarming story. The text is lengthy, and may be most enjoyed when read one-on-one with a child. Like other books in the Bad Kitty series, this holiday story involves humor.

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

Strega Nona's Gift 

by Tomie dePaola

Summary: Smelling the treats Strega Nona is cooking for her animals for the holidays, Big Anthony can't resist and samples everything, bringing about unexpected consequences.

This is a wonderful tale about generosity. Italian Christmas traditions and other holiday traditions are explored throughout this book. As a read aloud, this book is most appropriate for older primary school children. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 4

 

Oh, What a Christmas! 

by Michael Garland

Summary: After Santa loses his reindeer midflight on Christmas Eve, he improvises by seeking the help of some barnyard animals to complete his trip.

This original Santa story is slightly off-beat, but humorous. Children will enjoy the bright, vibrant illustrations that make the night come alive.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 4

 

The Wizard Mouse 

by Dean Morrissey

Summary: A field mouse travels far from his home and helps restore a wizard's magic; thus, saving the kingdom of Muddmoor.

This imaginative adventure is ideal for strong readers in primary school to read to themselves. The vibrant illustrations draw the reader deep into this fantasy. The story’s message of following one’s dreams and being true to oneself is truly inspiring and will captivate any young readers’ heart. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 4

Oprah: The Little Speaker

by Carole Boston Weatherford

Summary: Documents the disadvantaged but loving preschool and elementary school years of the Emmy-winning talk-show host, describing how as a toddler she performed in churches before adoring crowds and spent time on the family farm.

This book is a short biography with fairly simple language. It is appropriate for discussing the will to succeed and overcoming hardships. The story addresses Christian beliefs; therefore, a reader should asses if it is appropriate to share this book with his/her audience before doing so.

Interest Level: grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 4

Night of the Pumpkinheads

 by Michael J. Rosen

Summary: Determined to make Halloween a frightening night of the pumpkinheads, the pumpkins transform themselves into a variety of scary monsters and then head for town hoping to terrify everyone they meet.

This is an excellent Halloween story. The illustrations are drawings and photographs of pumpkins the illustrator carved. It is most appropriate to read this story to young children, but older children may choose to look at the illustrations for carving ideas. This story is humorous because the characters are not frightened of the pumpkins. I thought some of the pictures were frightening!

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

 

The Funny Little Woman 

by Arlene Mosel

Summary: While chasing a dumpling, a little lady is captured by wicked creatures from whom she escapes with the means of becoming the richest woman in Japan.

This book won the prestigious American Library Association’s Caldecott award for illustrations. The illustrations mostly use simple dull colors, but this allows for the funny little woman in bright red and orange to stick out. The story is a Japanese folktale that is wonderful for a multicultural unit lesson. 

Interest Level: grade k-3

Reading Level: grade 4

The Story of the Leprechaun

by Katherine Tegen

Summary: A clever leprechaun who has amassed a pot of gold by making beautiful shoes for people decides to hide his money at the end of a rainbow, knowing that no one will find it there.

This is a fabulous St. Patrick’s Day read. Additionally, it can be used for this year’s national summer reading theme , “One World, Many Stories.”

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

Daddy Adventure Day

by David Keane

Summary: Daddy Adventure Days are always special, and this one, featuring a boy's first visit to a baseball stadium, is no exception.

This book has fantastic water color and digital collage illustrations. The story is great for celebrating fathers and the small sacrifices they make on a day out. Dads, read this to your child on Father’s Day or any day!

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Pig Kahuna

by Jennifer Sattler

Summary: Fergus and his little brother, Dink, love collecting the things that wash up on the beach, especially if it means that Fergus doesn't actually have to go in the water. Then one day, they spy the greatest treasure of all—an abandoned surfboard. But when it accidentally gets cast back into the ocean, can Fergus find the courage to rescue it?

This is a humorous book that can be used to discuss overcoming fears, namely, swimming in the water.

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

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji

by F. Zia

Summary: Aneel and his grandfather, Dada-ji, tell stories, use their imaginations, and make delicious roti, a traditional Indian flatbread.

This is a fun story that is most appropriate for reading before cooling, especially roti. Other uses for this book are to celebrate grandparents and diversity. It is a great read for this summer’s national reading theme “One world Many Stories.”

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

The Best Birthday Ever!

by Charise Mericle Harper

Summary: Lana Kitty, little sister of Fashion Kitty, guides readers through everything necessary for the ideal birthday party.

This is an adorable story that a parent can read to a child before attending or throwing his/her first birthday party. It will prepare him/her for what may happen at the party and how they should behave. The book contains a great deal of glitter and pink.

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

While You Are Sleeping:

A Lift-the-flap Book of Time Around the World

by Durga Bernhard

Describes how the Earth's rotation results in different time zones and activities around the globe, with children sleeping in one part of the world while others may be walking home or climbing a tree, with some activities hidden under flaps.

This is a book with spectacular illustrations. It is great for reading before bed. There is a clock on each page, making it appropriate to use with children who are learning to tell time. The best use of this book is to discuss time zones. Also, it can be incorporated into this summer’s national reading theme “One World Many Stories.”

Interest Level: ages 2- grade 3

Reading Level: grade 4

The Cat's Pajamas

 by Wallace Edwards

Summary: Depicts twenty-six idioms contextualized within a sentence along with illustrations that bring new meaning to each, and includes explanations of the sayings.

This book has bright, beautiful illustrations. The text and pictures work together to create a wonderfully imaginative and humorous story. This book can be used to introduce a lesson on idioms.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 4

The Sunflower Sword

by Mark Sperring

In a land marked by endless fighting between knights and dragons, a mother gives her eager little boy a sunflower rather than the sword he requests, and when he wields it against a real dragon, new understanding begins.

Children may find the boy’s dilemma amusing. I enjoyed the ending that changes the tone from comical to sweet.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Always Room for One More

by Sorche Nic Leodhas

Summary: In this Scottish folk song, a generous family always has room for another person and invites in everyone who passes by

This book won the Caldecott Award (a prestigious American Library Association award) in 1966. The illustrations are wonderful, though simple, black and white figures with splashes of color. Considering this book is an old song from Scotland, it is appropriate to use this book for this summer’s national reading theme, “One World, Many Stories.” I would use it during storytimes only if I could sing the song with the melody provided at the end of the book. The author notes after the story that he changed lyrics in the song to make it more understandable to American children. However, a few Scottish words were left in because he felt they sounded better. He provides a short glossary of these words. I would sing the song, go over the words, and then have the children sing with me.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4